The Global Observer joint capability technology demonstration (JCTD) programme has successfully completed a series of wing load tests (WLT) for the Global Observer flight test programme.
The test was conducted by the US Department of Defense, Nasa and UAV team at the Flight Loads Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in California.
It will validate the quality of the UAV design, its analysis of flexible and lightweight structures and the resulting design trade-offs made to maximise wing strength while minimising weight.
Global Observer has been designed as the first unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to provide robust, cost-effective and persistent communications and surveillance over any location, without latitude restrictions.
Each aircraft in a Global Observer system is designed to fly at an altitude of between 55,000ft and 65,000ft for five to seven days.
The Global Observer JCTD programme has been sponsored by six US Government agencies with a fund of $120m.
