An RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 remotely piloted aircraft recently left Grand Forks AFB, N.D., on the first combat deployment for this Global Hawk variant, according to base officials. “Although Global Hawks have been supporting our warfighters in Afghanistan and elsewhere for more than a decade, this is the first time this specific model has been deployed into war,” said Col. Lawrence Spinetta, commander of Grand Forks’ 69th Reconnaissance Group, which operates Block 40s. The flight took place on Sept. 19, according to Grand Forks’ Nov. 20 release. The Block 40 variant features the MP-RTIP sensor, an electronically scanned array radar that provides synthetic aperture radar imagery and ground moving target indication data. “The Block 40’s GMTI provides a much-needed capability for our troops overseas, allowing them to track vehicular movement of enemy forces in near-real time over large areas, regardless of weather,” said Spinetta. (Grand Forks report by SSgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez) (See also Global Hawk RPA Family Hits 100,000 Flight Hours.)
Hawaii F-22s Wrap Up Deployment to Japan
April 9, 2021
F-22s and Airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, forward deployed to Japan for almost one month to train with Japanese and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft as part of a “dynamic force employment” operation. The Raptors from the Active-duty 19th Fighter Squadron and Air National Guard 199th Fighter Squadron deployed…