Prototype UAV Returns From War:
Global Hawk UAV No. 3, a pre-production model, has returned to Edwards AFB, Calif., after spending three years overseas supporting the war on terror. It touched down at Edwards on Feb. 20 and was treated to a celebratory water hosing. Aeronautical Systems Command officials say the UAV logged more than 4,800 combat flight hours. The technology demonstrator, which flew 191 combat sorties out of a total of 249, has been replaced overseas by production Global Hawks.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
