The new block 40 RQ-4 Global Hawk will be brought out by the US Air Force and Northrop Grumman on 25 June 2009.
The block 40 is fitted with the multiplatform radar technology insertion programme (MP-RTIP) enhanced sensor suite that will add battle command and control capability to the US warfighter.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft system that offers intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance capability via satellite data link.
The delivery of the first aircraft of 15 block 40 Global Hawks to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, is set for 2011.