RQ-4 Global Hawk Drone

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 629 km/h (339 knots)
Endurance 32+ hours
Operational Range 12,300+ nautical miles
Payload Capacity 1,360 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	HALE ISR UAV
First Flight / Introduced	1998 / 2001
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 130–220 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	629 km/h
Cruise Speed	570 km/h
Operational Range	12,300+ nmi
Endurance	32–34 hours
Service Ceiling	60,000 ft
Rate of Climb	20 m/s

3. Dimensions

Length	14.5 m
Wingspan	39.9 m
Height	4.7 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	14,628 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	1,360 kg
Hardpoints	None (Unarmed)
Weapons	None
Sensors	EO/IR, SAR, SIGINT, Ground Moving Target Indicator
Avionics	Satellite Link, GPS/INS, Mission Management System

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Rolls-Royce AE 3007H Turbofan
Engine Power	7,050 lbf thrust
Propeller Type	N/A (Jet Engine)

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	Beyond Line-of-Sight via Satellite
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Fixed Facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	USAF, NATO, Japan, South Korea
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Indo-Pacific ISR

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.5

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional high-altitude endurance (30+ hours)
Advanced multi-sensor ISR suite
Global satellite command-and-control
All-weather, day/night surveillance capability
Proven operational record across multiple theaters

CONS

Very high procurement and sustainment cost
Requires extensive ground infrastructure
Unarmed—limited to ISR-only missions
Large radar cross-section compared to stealth UAVs
Vulnerable to advanced air defense environments

RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE Surveillance Drone

The RQ-4 Global Hawk stands as one of the world’s most advanced high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) intelligence drones, delivering unmatched persistent surveillance for U.S. and allied forces. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the aircraft fills a crucial strategic reconnaissance role by providing real-time intelligence across vast geographic regions without risking manned crews.

Originally introduced in the early 2000s, the Global Hawk was designed to replace legacy U-2 missions while enhancing operational endurance, payload capacity, and sensor flexibility. Its primary mission profile includes ISR, border surveillance, maritime monitoring, and battle damage assessment—making it a critical asset for U.S. combatant commands.

Powered by a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007H turbofan, the RQ-4 can cruise above 60,000 ft for more than 32 hours, maintaining wide-area coverage through its sophisticated sensor suite. These include synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared sensors, and signals intelligence payloads, enabling all-weather day/night operations. With an operational range exceeding 12,000 nautical miles, the drone offers global reach through satellite-based command and control.

Unlike many tactical UAVs, the RQ-4 is unarmed, focusing exclusively on surveillance and reconnaissance. Its autonomous flight systems, long-endurance capability, and high-resolution sensors have made it indispensable during operations in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and Europe.

RQ-4 Global Hawk Drone Price in US

The RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE Surveillance Drone carries an approximate unit cost ranging from $130 million to $220 million, depending on configuration, sensor package, and support systems. This price reflects its advanced ISR capabilities and strategic mission role within the U.S. Air Force.

FAQs: RQ-4 Global Hawk

What is the RQ-4B Global Hawk used for?

The RQ-4B Global Hawk is used primarily for high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It provides wide-area imagery, signals intelligence, and real-time battlefield awareness to U.S. and allied commanders. The drone supports strategic missions such as border monitoring, maritime surveillance, target tracking, and post-strike damage assessment. Its ability to fly above 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours makes it one of the most effective persistent ISR platforms in the U.S. arsenal.

How did Iran shoot down a Global Hawk?

In June 2019, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a U.S. Navy RQ-4A BAMS-D, a variant of the Global Hawk, using a Sayyad-2 surface-to-air missile fired from the Khordad-3 air defense system. Iran claimed the drone violated its airspace near the Strait of Hormuz, a claim the U.S. denied, stating the aircraft was flying in international airspace. The shootdown highlighted the vulnerability of non-stealth, large HALE drones when operating near advanced, integrated air defense systems.

Is the RQ-4 still in service?

Yes, the RQ-4 Global Hawk remains in service, but in a reduced capacity. The U.S. Air Force has been retiring several Block 20 and Block 30 airframes, shifting toward more survivable ISR solutions. However, Block 40 Global Hawks, equipped with the advanced MP-RTIP radar, continue to operate. Several U.S. allies—including NATO, Japan, and South Korea—also maintain active Global Hawk fleets.

What is the largest U.S. military drone?

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is considered the largest operational drone in U.S. military service, with a wingspan of nearly 40 meters—greater than many commercial airliners. Its size, payload capacity, and endurance place it at the top among U.S. unmanned aerial systems. The only larger unmanned platform under development is the RQ-180, a classified stealth HALE drone.

What is the RQ-4 Global Hawk’s replacement?

The RQ-4’s expected successor is the RQ-180, a highly classified stealth HALE reconnaissance drone designed for operations inside contested airspace. While details remain limited, the aircraft reportedly offers a combination of stealth, long endurance, and advanced ISR capabilities. Additionally, the Air Force is shifting some strategic ISR roles toward space-based sensors, next-generation autonomous platforms, and distributed systems under the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).

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