Northrop Grumman has flight tested an EADS electronic intelligence payload aboard a US Air Force RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle. The test demonstrated the ability to disseminate onboard sensor information via datalink to a ground station. The two companies are hoping to develop a Euro Hawk derivative to replace Germany's Breguet Atlantic signals intelligence aircraft.
Source: Flight International
Northrop Grumman continues to chase international sales opportunities for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft, as it simultaneously introduces upgrades to both platforms.
Amid steady demand for existing propulsion systems, the defence unit of GE Aerospace is targeting development efforts on a series of next-generation technologies, including high-powered adaptive engines and small, low-cost solutions for uncrewed fighter jets.
Northrop Grumman has built the experimental XRQ-73 hybrid-electric flying-wing that it has been developing under a secretive US military project.
