An Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk transited British airspace for the first time as part of a NATO exercise aimed at developing operational concepts ahead of the arrival of the alliance’s own RQ-4s. “It is good to see existing airspace procedures enabling the seamless integration of remotely piloted air systems … within European airspace,” said Phil Osborn, alliance RPA capability director and Royal Air Force Air Vice Marshal, in a May 29 release. “From an air traffic control perspective … there is no discernible difference in our operation with the pilot being remotely located,” added Osborn. The Global Hawk flew a segmented route at approximately 50,000 feet altitude from a base in the Mediterranean Sea to exercise airspace in Norway as part of the alliance’s Unified Vision 2014 exercise this week, states the release. Several alliance members are purchasing a fleet of five pooled RQ-4s under the Alliance Ground Surveillance program.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.