Euro Hawk sets record with 25-hour nonstop flight in Germany

MANCHING, Germany, 5 Sept. 2013. The Euro Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flew continuously for 25.3 hours in European airspace on 8 Aug. 2013, setting an endurance record.

The UAS, built by Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC) subsidiary, Northrop Grumman ISS International Inc. (NGISSI), and Cassidian (EADS Deutschland GmbH), climbed to 58,600 feet over Manching Air Base, Germany.

"This is the longest flight flown in European skies by an unrefuelled UAS in the more than 30,000-pound [14,600-kilogram] class," says Rolf Wirtz, head of Mission Systems, Cassidian's UAS branch. "The Euro Hawk has performed safely and reliably with good results throughout its entire flight test program. It is the only system that can meet Germany's requirement for high-altitude signals intelligence surveillance missions."

Euro Hawk can fly at altitudes greater than 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours, has a wingspan greater than most commercial airliners, and can detect radar and communication emitters with its advanced signals intelligence sensors and updated payload software.

On 6 June 2013, the Euro Hawk flew over the North Sea for the first time, soaring throughout Germany before returning 6.5 hours later to Manching Air Base.

"To date, the Euro Hawk has completed 19 flights and approximately 200 flight hours," explains Janis Pamiljans, sector vice president and general manager of Unmanned Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "I commend the entire Euro Hawk customer and industry team on achieving this record-breaking flight. We remain committed to delivering the best technology solution at the most affordable cost to meet Germany's national security interests."