Global Hawk Low-Pressure Turbine-Driven Generator Completes Simulated Altitude Testing Published Dec. 12, 2006 By Plans and Programs Directorate AFRL/XP WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- An AFRL team completed demonstration tests simulating altitude operation of a low-pressure (LP) turbine-driven, 270 VDC, 75 kW generator mounted onto an AE3007H engine. The tests accomplished AFRL's goals to develop Global Hawk power upgrades that increase the available payload power over the present RQ-4 Global Hawk baseline by a factor of 3. The tests will also enable the technology's transition to the Global Hawk Systems Group (GHSG) for production development. The AFRL team integrated the LP generator with the engine and received assistance from the laboratory's general contractor, Innovative Power Solutions, as well as from Rolls-Royce Corporation, LibertyWorksTM, and Northrop Grumman. The LP generator utilizes direct drive with the LP shaft of an AE3007H engine as a means to provide an increase in available payload power over the present RQ-4 Global Hawk baseline. The objective of the final test was to verify the LP generator thermal environment and engine performance with LP generator power extraction at Global Hawk mission altitudes. AFRL developed the Range Altitude Power Innovative Technology (RAPIT) program to coordinate with the GHSG. The RAPIT program's purpose was to develop engine upgrades and electric power enhancements--with funding from the laboratory's Integrated High-Performance Turbine Engine Technology program--for transition to the RQ-4 Global Hawk.