Northrop Grumman [NOC] said that its RQ-4B Block 40 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) recently completed its first full system flight with the AN/ZPY-2, also known as the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor.
This is a first for a fleet of Block 40 Global Hawks that will be delivered to the UAS’ main operating base at Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
The MP-RTIP-equipped Block 40 Global Hawk provides capabilities for both military and domestic applications with ability to see through all types of weather, day or night, and also to provide vital imagery to the warfighter.
“Since 2001 Global Hawk has provided critical resources to the warfighter, while accumulating more than 45,000 combat and humanitarian relief hours,” said George Guerra, vice president, High Altitude Long Endurance Systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “The MP-RTIP equipped Global Hawk is the natural evolution of the program’s advanced technology in providing invaluable intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities for both military and domestic applications.”
Northrop Grumman is teamed with Raytheon [RTN] to develop, produce and deliver the AN/ZPY-2 MP-RTIP.