: Northrop Grumman, Global Hawk supplier, has issued a response to recent criticism of the program coming from the Air Force (see Global Hawk Costs Under the Microscope, above). Regarding USAF concerns about repair turnaround times, company spokeswoman Cynthia Curiel said in a written statement that “several initiatives have been implemented” to improve the turnaround. Among them, Northrop’s sensor supplier, Raytheon, has increased work shifts to expedite repairs and will host a dedicated interim repair line to quicken the pace of field repairs, she noted. “In addition, government and contractor personnel are making repairs in theater when appropriate in order to return the [Global Hawks] to full operational use as quickly as possible,” said Curiel.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing crashed during a training mission in Michigan on Sept. 17. The fighter's sole pilot ejected and is in stable condition at a local hospital.
