PETER LA FRANCHI / MELBOURNE
Northrop Grumman considers ways to increase UAV's payload by a third as part of on-going development plans
Northrop Grumman's "Spiral 2" version of the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle (UAV) will be stretched by 0.9m (3ft), while a new 39.6m-span wing in development could have winglets.
The modifications are the result of US Air Force requirements to increase the Global Hawk's payload by 450kg (1,000lb) to 1,360kg as part of the Spiral 2 development.
The present RQ-4 has a 35.4m wing span and Northrop Grumman says that the new wing is nearing final design review, with the USAF asking for winglets to be studied as an option for further extending air vehicle endurance.
A variety of configurations have been examined, including a blended winglet.
Northrop Grumman says a final decision on whether winglets will be adopted depends on whether design studies, due to be completed shortly, demonstrate substantial gains. Final decisions on the wing's form are to be made by the USAF.
Northrop Grumman says the nose section is to be fitted with a 480mm plug, while a130mm plug will be fitted immediately ahead of the wing leading edge. A 305mm plug will be fitted behind the wing.
Spiral 2 air vehicles will also have improved on-board power supply. Northrop Grumman says plans now call for a 27kVA main generator, replacing the 10kVAsystem. Spiral 2 aircraft will also have a 10kVA back-up generator.
The company says ongoing improvements planned for the RQ-4 ground control segment are expected to enable trial control of three air vehicles from a single station. A series of flight trials is being planned for 2004-5.
Source: Flight International
