An RQ-4 is set to land at Robins AFB, Ga., this week, marking the first time a remotely piloted aircraft has flown to an Air Force maintenance depot. The Global Hawk is headed south for a paint job, “to prevent corrosion and deterioration of the aircraft,” according to a Robins press release. The visit will also serve as a trial run for the possibility of establishing a more permanent RQ-4 depot operation at Robins, Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, told the Macon Telegraph in January. The RPA is scheduled to land at Robins May 10.
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.