After an almost 2 year collobrative effort (ADF has participated in the Global Hawk program since March 1999), the ADF will “finally” get to evaluate the Global Hawk UAV when it arrives at the ARDU facility in April for the Tandem Thrust exercises. Since March 1999, Australia DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation) scientests have worked significantly on improving the Global Hawk’s radar and detection systmes. The Global Hawk is a contender to extend Australia’s surveillance capabilities.
Global Hawk Technical Details
Length: 13.5m
Wingspan: 35.5m
Propulsion: Single Allison jet engine (7,600lb thrust)
Maximum weight: 11,500kg
Payload: 900 kg
Maximum range: 23,000km
Maximum endurance: 38 hours
Typical cruising speed: 600km/h
Maximum altitude: 20 km
Sensors:
– Synthetic Aperture Radar (with Moving Target Indication)
– Infra Red Camera
– Electro-Optical Camera
– Electronic Support Measures (for self-defence)
– Radar Warning Receiver (for self-defence)
Target location accuracy: 20 metres. Can spot a car-sized object from 61000 ft.
Search rate: 137,000 km2 per day
The Australian “version” of the Global Hawk UAV has special maritime sensors in line with Australia’s proposed main use of the aircraft. At $20million each, the aircraft are quite expensive, but will provide a quantam leap in Australia’s surveillance capability, and, along with other systems like JORN and Wedgetail, continue to give the ADF it’s all important “Knowledge Edge” over potential foes. It falls under the Defence Acquisition Project JP-2062.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the Global Hawk will be a good buy for the ADF?
MinMiester
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February 15, 2001 at 3:05 am