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Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk
Photo: United States Air Force · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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NorthropGrummanRQ-4BGlobalHawk

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2008
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NorthropGrummanRQ-4BGlobalHawk

Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk Photo: United States Air Force · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
88
Endurance
95
Operating Altitude
90
Range
92
Data-Link
75
Stealth / Survivability
30
Image Quality
90
Autonomy
85
Technology
88
Cost-Effectiveness
60
Origin United States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon, L3 Technologies
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service2008
Operators3 countries
Quantity42
Data Quality84%
82
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
3/69
Post-Cold War
7/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
88
Endurance
95
Operating Altitude
90
Range
92
Data-Link
75
Stealth / Survivability
30
Image Quality
90
Autonomy
85
Technology
88
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-4B Global Hawk
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
82
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 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
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲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
  1. 2008Production started
18
years in service
42
units produced
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory2country · 7units
7active
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →