Northrop Grumman delivered the first production Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor to Edwards Air Force Base for integration on the first U.S. Air Force Block 40 Global Hawk. The first MP-RTIP Global Hawk flight is scheduled to occur by early 2011.
"The MP-RTIP equipped Global Hawk is an unprecedented combination because it provides greater situational awareness for the warfighter," said George Guerra, vice president High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) programs. "We are currently on track leading up to first flight and look forward to meeting all upcoming milestones to ensure we provide this critical resource to the warfighter as quickly as possible."
Flying at altitudes up to 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours per sortie at speeds approaching 340 knots, the MP-RTIP-equipped Block 40 Global Hawk can persistently see through most types of weather, day or night, according to Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems is the prime contractor for the Global Hawk. Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems’ Norwalk, Conn., facility is teamed with Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif. to develop, produce and deliver the radar.