Aircraft
One ISR Airship Ready To Fly, but Others Deflate
Northrop Grumman said that the long-delayed first flight of the LEMV hybrid will take place next week. (Image: Northrop Grumman) Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has lost patience with the Blue Devil 2, inset, and wants to deflate the huge airship even before a first flight. (Photo: Mav6)
Northrop Grumman said that the long-delayed first flight of the LEMV hybrid will take place next week. (Image: Northrop Grumman) Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has lost patience with the Blue Devil 2, inset, and wants to deflate the huge airship even before a first flight. (Photo: Mav6)

Northrop Grumman broke a long silence on the long endurance multi-intelligence vehicle (LEMV) this week, when an official told the website wired.com that the much-delayed hybrid air vehicle (HAV) will fly for the first time next week. Earlier, when contacted by AIN, the sponsoring U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) declined to predict a date for that event.