AF-18, the first Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, successfully completed its maiden test flight over the skies of southern California on Nov. 16, 2009, announced Global Hawk manufacturer Northrop Grumman, Dec. 8, 2009. This aircraft, shown here during the flight, is the first of 15 Global Hawk Block 40 platforms planned in USAF's current program of record. Block 40 aircraft will carry the sophisticated MP-RTIP radar sensor for enhanced detection and tracking of moving ground targets from high overhead.
Air Force photo
