New Displays, Better Interoperability, Improved Situational Awareness

Earlier this month, Northrop Grumman successfully conducted the first flight under the GLOBAL HAWK Ground Station Modernization Program (GSMP). Leveraging agile development and open architecture, both the human-machine interface and the underlying software have been transformed, paving the way for interoperability with other Air Force systems, enhanced responsiveness to tasking, and lower impact updates in the future.

GSMP will revolutionize operator experience with new cockpit displays, the ability to fly all GLOBAL HAWK variants without software or configuration changes, simpler maintenance interfaces, and improved situational awareness and environmental conditions for pilots and sensor operators.

“Not only will it allow the operators to conduct their missions from an enhanced, building-based control element, it will deliver critical Diminished Manufacturing Sources solutions and system security enhancements that will ensure this vital capability continues to be secure from cyber threats,” commented Col William Collins, GLOBAL HAWK System Program Director at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

“GLOBAL HAWK is a critical asset that delivers vital data to US forces and allies 24/7/365,” added Leslie Smith, VP GLOBAL HAWK, Northrop Grumman. “New, modern ground stations for GLOBAL HAWK will significantly improve the system and allow operators to more efficiently deliver timely ISR data to warfighters and connect the joint force through its global communications node mission.”