Global Hawk: The Story and Shadow of America’s Controversial Drone

Despite the high level of media attention, most military unmanned aircraft remain shrouded in secrecy, including one of the largest called Global Hawk. Rick Thomas, a retired senior-level Air Force officer and Global Hawk pilot introduces the largest operational unmanned reconnaissance aircraft in the world and reveals first-hand accounts of how this amazing unmanned aircraft came to be. He also takes you inside the Global Hawk control station to experience what it’s like to be a Global Hawk pilot, especially when things go wrong. Rick shares incredible stories about the close calls, the combat sorties, and the crashes that occur throughout the Global Hawk’s history. Rick also takes you inside the Pentagon to closed door meetings where decisions are made on spending billions, yes BILLIONS of dollars on the Global Hawk. You will discover not everyone is pleased with the Global Hawk. Factions within Congress as well as a mysterious group called the “U-2 mafia” conspire to shut it down. Despite their ongoing efforts, Global Hawk experiences ironic timing and streaks of luck. In its darkest moments world events transpire which propel it into the national limelight. Contributors include over thirty high level leaders and managers including former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General John Jumper, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Larry Lynn, former President and CEO of Ryan Aircraft Company, Bob Mitchell, former Air Force intelligence chief, Lieutenant General David Deptula and many others. The stories of these movers and shakers are what make the high flying, long range Global Hawk aircraft a compelling story and a rich and rewarding reading experience. It will compel you to think the Global Hawk is almost human!