Sensor Package Provides Near Real-Time Imagery

Raytheon Company has delivered the first full production Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) for the Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial system used by the U.S. Air Force.  The full production configuration includes both synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) high resolution imaging capability in a single integrated sensor system.

Raytheon's Integrated Sensor Suite currently installed on the Global Hawk provides near real-time imagery and has been combat proven in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor on the Global Hawk high-altitude, long endurance unmanned aircraft.

"We are proud to provide this important sensor capability for the Global Hawk system and the Air Force," Thomas Kennedy, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Airborne Systems, said.  "The Raytheon Integrated Sensor Suite equipping the Global Hawk is a vital link in the chain of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts."

The recent ISS delivery is from Lot 2 of the Global Hawk low-rate initial production (LRIP) program. Raytheon is currently building Lot 3 LRIP systems for the Global Hawk program. Lot 3 consists of two basic ISS systems and one enhanced ISS.

The enhanced ISS extends the range capabilities of both the SAR and EO sensors by 50 percent over the basic ISS.  Along with the ISS, Raytheon also produces the Global Hawk ground element from its Intelligence and Information Systems operation in Falls Church, VA.

FMI: www.raytheon.com