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-4B Global Hawk
Country
Prime contractor
Production
2008–
Quantity
42
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
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
55
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 Rolehigh‑altitude long‑endurance surveillance
- In ServiceYes
◈Airframe6MOD.6
- Length14.5 m
- Wingspan39.9 m
- Height4.6 m
- Empty Weight13,600 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight14,628 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine TypeRolls‑Royce AE 3007H turbofan
- Number of Engines1
- Engine Power7,500 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 & Sensors5MOD.5
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control Typeremotely piloted
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkYes
- Autonomous CapableYes
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingYes
▲Production4MOD.4
- Total Built42
- Unit Cost60,900,000 USD
- Operators4
- Variants5
◎Service History3MOD.3
- Retirement Year2027
- Production Start1998
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2008Production started
18
years in service
42
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 ↗
7RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES3POST-COLD WAR · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES235UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS2PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES199PRICE · ALL WEAPONS237PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
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.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources