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Vought Completes Global Hawk Wing Tests
Vought Aircraft Industries announced the successful completion of testing to 100% limit load of its first enhanced wing for the U.S. Air Force’s Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The objective of the test is to simulate forces that are experienced due to specific “gust load” winds during a mission. Similar tests have been conducted on an RQ-4A configuration. This is part of Northrop Grumman’s current system of improvements to make Global Hawk able to accommodate an increased payload carrying capability while maintaining current platform performance specifications. Vought’s scope in the system includes design development, fabrication, assembly and structural testing of the new wing. The wing will be used on the RQ-4B, four of which Vought is producing. Two RQ-4B prototype wings are being made, along with a third article for testing ultimate loads. Vought has built two prototype wings and nine production wings under a Low Rate Initial Production contract with Northrop Grumman for the RQ-4A.
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