:

Air Force

DoD Testers Find Global Hawk Operational Flaws

Julie Samuel

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

SHARE:

Pentagon testers found a new version of the RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle cannot effectively conduct the type of persistent spying for which it was designed. The Block 30 version of the Northrop Grumman [NOC] drone “is not operationally effective for conducting near-continuous, persistent (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) ISR as specified in the Air Force Concept of Employment,” according to the RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 30 Operational Test and Evaluation Report. The 70-page report, dated May 2011 and signed…

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]

Congress

Appropriators Offer Skepticism On $350B Defense Reconciliation Plan, ‘Big Risk’ For Key Initiatives

Senate and House Appropriators told Pentagon leadership on Tuesday they’re skeptical of the department’s plan to fund $350 billion of the fiscal year 2027 defense budget through the reconciliation process, […]

Congress

All Future Systems Should Have Autonomy Features, Reed Says

Last week, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) visited North Kingstown, R.I.-based Senesco, which is teaming with autonomous systems company Havoc to bid on the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. […]

Congress

Senate Appropriators Concerned With DoD’s Reconciliation Plan For Top FY ‘27 Priorities, Aide Says

Senate defense appropriators have concerns with the Pentagon’s decision to include key fiscal year 2027 funding priorities, such as critical munitions and drones production, among its request for $350 billion […]