Command of the German Air Force plans to adopt the first Euro Hawk RQ-4E UAV in September
The German Air Force Command plans to adopt the first UAV RQ-4E Euro Hawk (RQ-4E Euro Hawk) as a combat-ready platform in September 2013.
As the head of the department of offensive weapons, tactical air reconnaissance and unmanned systems of the German Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Roland Runge, said at the IQPC conference in London dedicated to air reconnaissance and surveillance equipment, high-altitude long-range UAVs equipped with electronic intelligence equipment (HALE) will be transferred to the German Air Force immediately after completion of flight tests, which provide for a comprehensive check of the operation of on-board equipment, according to International Defense Review.
In addition to the first flight tests, which took place in January 2013, the program includes 13 more flights, the number of which, if necessary, can be increased. Simultaneously with the transfer of the Euro Hawk UAV to the German Air Force, a 30-month logistics contract will begin, which will include military tests, during which the German Air Force will gradually assume responsibility for the operation and technical support of the UAV. According to R. Runge, this stage can be extended (if necessary) for 12 months, but this condition has not yet been taken into account in the contract.
The program was delayed due to problems obtaining the airworthiness certificate. Due to the fact that Germany is the first foreign operator of the Global Hawk UAV, the receipt of the devices was preceded by measures to bring the infrastructure of the German Air Force in line with the requirements of the NATO STANAG 4671 standard, which regulates the operation of unmanned systems. Flight testing of reconnaissance equipment was carried out after receiving a provisional airworthiness certificate. As envisaged, preliminary certification will be supplemented by sorties in conditions close to combat, for example, takeoffs and landings in strong headwinds, which is typical for the main operating base of the German Air Force "Schleswig-Jagel" (on the coast of the Baltic Sea).
The test program for reconnaissance equipment of the Euro Hawk UAV is carried out in two areas in the airspace of Germany in the south of the country (with a length of 274 km from north to south and 48-97 km from east to west) and one in northern Germany, as well as two flight routes , due to which it is possible to fly between these zones at altitudes of 50000 feet (15250 m) or more.
Currently, Germany is working to obtain permits for the access of the Euro Hawk UAV to the airspace of other states. It is expected that the discussion process will be easier with the member states of the NATO program to create an airborne reconnaissance system for ground targets AGS (Airborne Ground Surveillance). Within the framework of this project, the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV is also used as a platform. Obtaining the rights to fly across the continental territory of Europe will significantly increase the efficiency of the use of UAVs in areas of combat use. Otherwise, the vehicles will need to make long flights over the water surface.
Currently, during the flights of the Euro Hawk UAV in the airspace of Germany, a ground-based detection and warning system developed by ESG GmbH (Germany) is used. The system allows you to collect data from civil and military ground-based radars in order to form a single image of the airspace in the area where the UAV is flying, and transmit information to the ground control station. The specified system can subsequently be used in the areas of combat use of the device outside the Federal Republic of Germany.
R. Runge also said that the German military leadership plans to purchase four RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 UAVs at the end of this decade in a configuration similar to those purchased under the AGS program. The UAV data will be under national control, and may also be transferred to NATO as a contribution to the AGS project. The feasibility of this project will depend on the availability of funds, as well as the possibility of obtaining an airworthiness certificate.
In the future, the command of the German Air Force is also considering the possibility of controlling the Euro Hawk UAV from the Sigonella airbase (Sicily, Italy) in order to more effectively perform tasks in the Mediterranean Sea. According to R. Runge, it is planned to start negotiations on this issue with the government of Italy and the command of the US Air Force (as the state responsible for organizing the operation of the Global Hawk UAV at this air base). However, these plans can be implemented only after obtaining permission to fly UAVs through the airspace of other countries.
Information