Global Hawk variant to be cut

The Air Force's Block 30 variant of the Global Hawk unmanned surveillance plane is being terminated in the budget request that will be sent to Congress in February, according to reports. But one report says the proposed fiscal 2013 budget also includes $1.2 billion for three additional Block 40 variants. The Air Force already has 11 of the latest models delivered or on contract. In addition, the Pentagon wants to continue an $11 billion Navy Global Hawk program. (Sources: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg, 01/24/12). Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. Previous Global Hawk post