But Details Withheld Concerning The Accident

AeroVironment Inc. has confirmed that one of its unmanned aircraft experienced a mishap during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base on Friday.

AeroVironment Global Observer UAV File Photo

The company, which is under contract to several U.S. government agencies to develop the Global Observer aircraft, said no one was injured. There also were no reports of damage to other property. The company did not elaborate on what happened to the plane or the cause of the mishap.

On its website AeroVironment describes Global Observer as a surveillance aircraft designed to fly for up to a week, powered by liquid hydrogen, at altitudes up to 65,000 feet. "Flight testing an innovative new solution like Global Observer involves pushing the frontiers of technology and convention," said Tim Conver, AeroVironment's chairman and CEO.

AeroVironment was working on expanding the flight envelope of the aircraft, which had been operating for nearly twice as long and at a higher altitude than previous flights. A second Global Observer is nearly complete at AeroVironment's development facility.

FMI: www.avinc.com