Aircraft
More and More Global Hawks
Versions of the Global Hawk are proliferating, with five now in service or development for the U.S., as well as the Euro Hawk for Germany and another for t

Versions of the Global Hawk are proliferating, with five now in service or development for the U.S., as well as the Euro Hawk for Germany and another for the NATO-AGS (air/ground surveillance) requirement.

The U.S. Air Force flies the original Block 10 and the enhanced Block 20 versions on imaging reconnaissance missions. The Block 20 has a larger wingspan and payload, and provides more power to the aircraft’s Raytheon System Ltd. improved radar and EO/IR sensors. The Global Hawk has been operating from Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates since 2001. Operations from two more overseas locations– Anderson Air Force Base on Guam and the Sigonella Naval Air Station in Italy–are planned to start later this year.