Northrop Grumman successfully transferred radar data from an RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 remotely piloted aircraft to an E-8C JSTARS ground-surveillance airplane, announced the company. This exchange, which took place on Feb. 25, was the first collaborative effort to transfer ground-moving target radar data from a Global Hawk to a JSTARS, according to the company’s March 6 release. “This is a significant leap forward in terms of possible capabilities for our warfighters,” said Bryan Lima, the company’s JSTARS program director. He added, “Operators in the JSTARS aircraft were able to use the Global Hawk as an adjunct sensor. We were able to display and use the Global Hawk’s radar data on the JSTARS.” Operators could then relay the information from the Global Hawk to ground forces, who would benefit from the expanded surveillance area offered by the linked airborne platforms, stated the company.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
