Data Quality84%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk
Country
Prime contractor
Production
2001–2006
Quantity
16
Unit Price (current)
$110.7M↗ 82% inflation · 2001→2025
Original Price
$60.9M (2001)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
45
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$110.7M
Original: $60.9M (2001)
Inflation: +%82
ⓘ 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 ClassHALE UAV
- Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drone
- First Flight1998
- Service Entry Year2001
- Primary RoleStrategic ISR
- In ServiceYes
◈Airframe6MOD.6
- Length10.8 m
- Wingspan39.8 m
- Height3.8 m
- Empty Weight13,500 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight14,600 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney PW308A turbofan
- Number of Engines1
- Engine Power13 kW
- Electric PropulsionNo
◇Performance6MOD.6
- Top Speed630 km/h
- Cruise Speed450 km/h
- Service Ceiling20,000 m
- Range22,000 km
- Endurance30
- Maximum Payload1,360 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
- EO/IR SensorYes
- SAR / GMTI RadarYes
- SIGINT PayloadNo
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight1,000 kg
- Comms RelayNo
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control TypeRemotely piloted (ground control station)
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkYes
- Autonomous CapableYes
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingYes
▲Production4MOD.4
- Total Built16
- Unit Cost60,900,000 USD
- Operators1
- Variants0
◎Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1998
- Production End2006
- Operational StatusIn service, planned retirement 2027
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2001Production started
- 2006Production ended
25
years in service
5
years in production
16
units produced
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
12RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES4POST-COLD WAR · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES303UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS2PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES199PRICE · ALL WEAPONS259PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
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.
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.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources