LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
REC // INTEL FEED

NorthropGrummanRQ-180

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2008
ADD TO COMPARE

NorthropGrummanRQ-180

* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
90
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
95
Range
90
Data-Link
80
Stealth / Survivability
98
Image Quality
85
Autonomy
80
Technology
95
Cost-Effectiveness
60
Origin United States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman Corporation
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service2008
Operators1 countries
Data Quality82%
88
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
1/69
Post-Cold War
3/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
90
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
95
Range
90
Data-Link
80
Stealth / Survivability
98
Image Quality
85
Autonomy
80
Technology
95
Cost-Effectiveness
60
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Northrop Grumman RQ-180
Production
2008–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
55
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
88
reconnaissance / surveillance drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • UAV ClassHigh-altitude, long-endurance
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight2010
  • Service Entry Year2017
  • Primary RolePenetrating ISR in contested airspace
  • In ServiceYes
◈Airframe2MOD.2
▣Powerplant3MOD.3
◇Performance3MOD.3
  • Service Ceiling18,288 m
  • Range22,224 km
  • Endurance24
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production2MOD.2
  • Operators1
  • Variants0
◎Service History2MOD.2
  • Production Start2008
  • Operational StatusActive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2008Production started
18
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
Automatic Takeoff/Landing is a UAV capability that enables a drone to initiate and complete takeoff and landing sequences autonomously using onboard sensors and control software.
Capable of performing tasks or missions without direct human control, using onboard systems to make decisions and execute actions.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar are airborne radar systems used to detect, track, and image moving or stationary targets on the ground, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
Aircraft design and technology features that reduce detection by radar, infrared, acoustic, and other sensors through shaping, materials, and emissions control.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →