RQ-4 Global Hawk Drone

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 629 km/h
Endurance 30+ hours
Operational Range 22,000 km
Payload Capacity 1,360 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	High-Altitude ISR UAV
First Flight / Introduced	1998 / 2001
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	USD 130+ Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	629 km/h
Cruise Speed	575 km/h
Operational Range	22,000 km
Endurance	30–34 hours
Service Ceiling	60,000 ft
Rate of Climb	15 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	Not Applicable
Sensors	EO/IR, SAR, MP-RTIP Radar, SIGINT Systems
Avionics	Satellite Link, GPS/INS Navigation, Secure Comms

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Rolls-Royce AE3007H Turbofan
Engine Power	7,050 lbf thrust
Propeller Type	Not Applicable

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	Global (Satellite)
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Fixed Facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	USAF, NATO, Japan, South Korea
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Middle East, Pacific, Europe ISR

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

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

PROS

Exceptional high-altitude endurance for long missions
Advanced multi-sensor ISR payloads
Satellite control enabling global reach
Proven operational performance
Large coverage area for strategic reconnaissance

CONS

Very high procurement and operating costs
Limited survivability in heavily contested airspace
Requires extensive ground infrastructure
Cannot carry weapons
High maintenance and support requirements

RQ-4 Global Hawk High-Altitude Recon Drone

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is one of the most advanced high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones in U.S. service. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the aircraft was designed to provide near-real-time, wide-area reconnaissance over contested or remote environments. Since entering service in the early 2000s, the Global Hawk has become a cornerstone of U.S. strategic ISR operations.

Design and Capabilities

Built for extreme endurance, the RQ-4 can remain airborne for more than 30 hours while cruising above 60,000 feet, far beyond the reach of most surface threats. The airframe features a glider-like wingspan, optimized for fuel efficiency and high-altitude performance. Powered by a single Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan engine, the aircraft provides reliable long-duration flight across transcontinental ranges.

Its mission systems include a multi-platform radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) suites. These sensors allow the drone to track ground movement, map large territories, and capture detailed imagery in both day and night conditions. Satellite communications link the platform to U.S. and allied command centers worldwide, enabling beyond-line-of-sight control.

Operational Use

The Global Hawk has been deployed extensively by the U.S. Air Force, NATO, South Korea, and other partners. It has played key roles in operations over the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and Europe, supporting counterterrorism, missile monitoring, humanitarian relief assessments, and maritime surveillance.

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