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RQ-170 Sentinel
Photo: FOX 52 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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RQ-170Sentinel

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2007
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RQ-170Sentinel

RQ-170 Sentinel
RQ-170 Sentinel Photo: FOX 52 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
70
Endurance
65
Operating Altitude
85
Range
60
Data-Link
65
Stealth / Survivability
80
Image Quality
70
Autonomy
60
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
55
Origin United States
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service2007
Operators1 countries
Quantity20
Data Quality82%
70
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
11/69
Post-Cold War
47/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
70
Endurance
65
Operating Altitude
85
Range
60
Data-Link
65
Stealth / Survivability
80
Image Quality
70
Autonomy
60
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
55
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
RQ-170 Sentinel
Production
2007–
Quantity
20
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
11
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
60
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
70
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 Flight2007
  • Service Entry Year2007
  • Primary RoleAerial reconnaissance and surveillance
  • In ServiceYes
◈Airframe6MOD.6
  • Length4.267 m
  • Wingspan11.582 m
  • Height1.829 m
  • Empty Weight2,300 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight3,855 kg
  • Low ObservableYes
▣Powerplant3MOD.3
◇Performance7MOD.7
  • Top Speed900 km/h
  • Cruise Speed735 km/h
  • Service Ceiling15,240 m
  • Range4,000 km
  • Endurance5.7
  • Combat / Operating Radius2,000 km
  • Maximum Payload1,000 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built20
  • Operators1
  • Variants0
◎Service History2MOD.2
  • Production Start2005
  • Operational StatusActive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2007Production started
19
years in service
20
units produced
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 →