The RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft that arrived last month at Andersen AFB, Guam, for beddown, has successfully completed its first takeoff and landing at its new home. Controllers at Andersen guided the aircraft’s liftoff and ascent to altitude, resuming control of the aircraft for landing during the Oct. 7 flight. While on-station, operators with the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB, Calif., controlled the aircraft via satellite communications links. The Global Hawk arrived at Andersen on Sept.1. It will enter operations once the RQ-4 Block 20 and Block 30 configurations conclude initial operational testing. Two additional Global Hawks are scheduled to arrive at Andersen for beddown over the next few months, completing the base’s full RQ-4 complement. (Andersen report by A1C Anthony Jennings)
As it develops new weapons to attack satellites, the U.S. Space Force is focused more on ground-based efforts where the technology is more mature, the service’s top general said April 3.