March 1st,
2007. The first flight of the newly upgraded Block 20 Global Hawk occurred
today at Edwards Air Force Base. The test was successful. This flight
validates the platforms first integration of a Lithium Ion Battery used for
both emergency power in a loss of power event as well as main power for
specific on board systems. The new batteries save over 180lbs over the
original NiCd batteries used on earlier model Global Hawks. The battery
design incorporates a modified version of the USAF B-2 Lithium Ion battery
also built by Yardney.
