Saturday, April 2, 2011

Global Observer Crash Rattles Observers

Global Observer Crash Rattles Observers


AeroVironment’s GO-1 Global Observer hydrogen-powered high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft crashed at Edwards AFB, Calif., on April 1.

The aircraft was 18 hr. into its ninth envelope-expansion test flight.

The cause is being investigated. A second aircraft is almost complete, but funding for the U.S. Special Operations Command-led Global Observer joint concept technology demonstration (JCTD) is running out.

Early last month, AeroVironment told Aviation Week that the company was looking for sources of incremental funding beyond the end of March to provide a bridge between the demonstration and a future procurement program.

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