An RQ-4B Global Hawk operating from an undisclosed base in Southwest Asia surpassed 10,000 flight hours on a March 7 mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The aircraft, known as A2019, was the “first Block 20 and first RQ-4B model to arrive” at the undisclosed base on Oct. 16, 2010, states a release. The Global Hawk, which carries the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, took off March 7 with 9,982.9 hours and landed March 8 after a 30.5-hour flight having surpassed the 10,000 flying hours, states the release. The aircraft also “holds the record for the longest Block 20 flight, which is currently set at 31.5 flying hours,” according to the release.
B-52 Engine, Radar Upgrades Hit New Milestones
Sept. 15, 2026
The Air Force’s program to re-engine the B-52H Stratofortress has moved from its technology maturation and risk reduction phase to engineering and manufacturing development, marking a new milestone in the sweeping overhaul of the Cold War-era bomber, a top official said Sept. 15.
