UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
RQ-4 Global Hawk
_The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities all over the world. The RQ-4 program was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by Northrop Grumman in the 1990s and will eventually replace the venerable U-2 manned reconnaissance aircraft.
The latest version is the RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk, RQ-4C, which is a new configuration to be equipped with the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) payload replacing the ISS on the RQ-4A/B aircraft. The Block 30 aircraft also provides room for airborne signals intelligence capabilities. The Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) sensors include synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and medium-wave infrared sensors, and active electronically scanned array radar. The system offers a wide variety of employment options. The long range and endurance of this system allow tremendous flexibility in meeting mission requirements.
The latest version is the RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk, RQ-4C, which is a new configuration to be equipped with the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) payload replacing the ISS on the RQ-4A/B aircraft. The Block 30 aircraft also provides room for airborne signals intelligence capabilities. The Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) sensors include synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and medium-wave infrared sensors, and active electronically scanned array radar. The system offers a wide variety of employment options. The long range and endurance of this system allow tremendous flexibility in meeting mission requirements.
MQ-9 Reaper
_The turboprop-powered Reaper is a larger derivative of the proven RQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It features 500 percent more payload capacity, 30 hours endurance, and speeds of 220 knots operating at altitudes above of 50,000 feet. In addition, a fault-tolerant redundant flight control system with triple-redundant avionics provides increased reliability. The Reaper is intended to fulfill 21st century requirements for UAVs.
MQ-1C Warrior
_The General Atomics' Warrior is a variant of combat-proven Predator UAV powered by a Thielert Centurion Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE). This engine allows to fly over 25,000-ft (7,600+ meters) while providing increased horsepower, improved fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs and increased service life. Warrior rolled out of the assembly line in 2004 after the program was launched in July 2004 with the first Warrior performing first flight three months later. General Atomics teamed up through 'Team Warrior' with AAI Corporation (ground control equipment) and SPARTA Inc (logistics support services).
The aircraft's nose fairing has been enlarged to house a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR-GMTI) system, and targeting is also provided with an AN/AAS-52 Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS) under the nose. The aircraft can carry a payload of 800 pounds (360 kg) and can be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-44/B Viper Strike guided bombs.
The aircraft's nose fairing has been enlarged to house a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR-GMTI) system, and targeting is also provided with an AN/AAS-52 Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS) under the nose. The aircraft can carry a payload of 800 pounds (360 kg) and can be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-44/B Viper Strike guided bombs.
MQ-1 Predator
_The Predator is a medium altitude, long endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system for use in risk areas minimizing to human life. It is a theater asset for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in support of Joint Force commander. General Atomics had developed a complete family of unmanned aerial vehicles based on Predator to meet the needs of of a wide range of customers both civil and military. Predator family includes Predator B, I-GNAT, Altus, Altair, Warrior and I-GNAT ER.
The MQ-1 configuration refers to Munitions (M) capable and enables the Predator UAV to carry precision guided and smart munitions such as the Hellfire laser-guided anti-tank missile and the BAT smart weapon. The US Air Force intends to provide the AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting system to MQ-1 configured Predators to guide two Hellfire anti-tank missiles carried by the aircraft. The AAQS-52 also provides surveillance capability through its built-in EO and IR sensors.
The MQ-1 configuration refers to Munitions (M) capable and enables the Predator UAV to carry precision guided and smart munitions such as the Hellfire laser-guided anti-tank missile and the BAT smart weapon. The US Air Force intends to provide the AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting system to MQ-1 configured Predators to guide two Hellfire anti-tank missiles carried by the aircraft. The AAQS-52 also provides surveillance capability through its built-in EO and IR sensors.
MQ-8B Fire Scout
_The Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.
The MQ-8B features four-blade main rotor, in contrast to the larger-diameter three-blade rotor of the RQ-8A, to reduce noise and improve lift capacity and performance. The four-blade rotor had already been evaluated on Fire Scout prototypes. They boost gross takeoff weight by 500 pounds to 3,150 pounds (by 225 kg to 1,430 kg), with payloads of up to 700 pounds (320 kg) for short-range missions.
The MQ-8B is fitted with stub wings which serve both an aerodynamic purpose as well as an armament carriage location. Weapons to be carried include Hellfire missiles, Viper Strike laser-guided glide weapons, and in particular pods carrying the "Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)", a laser-guided 70 millimeter (2.75 inch) folding-fin rocket, which the Army sees as ideal for the modern battlefield.
The MQ-8B features four-blade main rotor, in contrast to the larger-diameter three-blade rotor of the RQ-8A, to reduce noise and improve lift capacity and performance. The four-blade rotor had already been evaluated on Fire Scout prototypes. They boost gross takeoff weight by 500 pounds to 3,150 pounds (by 225 kg to 1,430 kg), with payloads of up to 700 pounds (320 kg) for short-range missions.
The MQ-8B is fitted with stub wings which serve both an aerodynamic purpose as well as an armament carriage location. Weapons to be carried include Hellfire missiles, Viper Strike laser-guided glide weapons, and in particular pods carrying the "Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)", a laser-guided 70 millimeter (2.75 inch) folding-fin rocket, which the Army sees as ideal for the modern battlefield.