Northrop Grumman has supplied crucial sensing devices to the U.S. Air Force for their Block 40 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. The supply of the initial Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program Sensor was carried out at the California-based Edwards Air Force Base for the installation of the primary Block 40 Global Hawk for U.S. Air Force.
The initial MP-RTIP Global Hawk flight will be launched in the first quarter of 2011.According to the company, the MP-RTIP technology facilitates the identification of numerous stopped, slow as well as rapidly moving objects on the ground in any environment, day or night.
George Guerra, vice president of High Altitude Long Endurance programs stated that, the MP-RTIP enabled Global Hawk is an unparalled combination in delivering conditional awareness for the soldiers and that they are focusing on their initial flight, meeting all the basic necessities for significant warfighter applications at the earliest.
The Global Hawk UAV is capable of flying at altitudes greater than 60,000 feet for over 30 hours per sortie with speeds nearing 340 knots. This MP-RTIP-enabled Block 40 Global Hawk has the potential to perceive through all types of weather conditions, day or night.
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems is the major provider of the Global Hawk and MP-RTIP systems.
Source: http://www.northropgrumman.com