Northrop Grumman expects to start re-engining the US Army's RQ-5A Hunter unmanned air vehicle fleet from October, following completion of flight tests with a more powerful heavy-fuel powerplant.
The new engine, revealed only as from a "European automotive" company, replaces the original twin Moto Guzzi 64hp (48kW) motorcycle engines that burn conventional MOGAS fuel. Climb rate and service ceiling improvements also come with the re-engining, which should be completed across the fleet by late 2005, says Northrop Grumman Hunter programme manager Ron Kline.
"The new engine will take diesel 2 or JP-8 fuel, whereas now it has to have its own fuel truck," says Kline.
The change will allow the Hunter to operate alongside heavy-fuel (diesel or kerosene) -engined aircraft such as US Army helicopters, as well as ground vehicles and main battle tanks.
Up to 40 UAVs will be re-engined, around half of which are in army service in Iraq, where the type recently passed 30,000 total flight hours.
The Israel Aircraft Industries/ Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW) Hunter reconnaissance system is poised for new expansion. The UAV is being integrated with a tactical datalink for forthcoming flight trials, the later phases of which are scheduled to involve co-operative flights with a Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Kline says proof-of-concept flight trials will continue until year-end, with new weapon systems also due to be tested.
These include the Eagle Eyes munition, a third-generation derivative of Northrop Grumman's BAT anti-armour weapon already tested on the Hunter. Evaluation of the Eagle Eyes system is due to start next month, and will run until early February 2005.
The second-generation Viper Strike is now awaiting approval to be fielded with the Hunter, says Kline, with flight tests completed at White Sands, New Mexico in October 2003.
GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
