Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
RQ-170 Sentinel
Country
Production
2007–
Quantity
20
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
11
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
60
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ 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
- Engine TypeGarrett TFE731 or General Electric TF34
- Number of Engines1
- Electric PropulsionNo
◇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
- EO/IR SensorYes
- SAR / GMTI RadarYes
- SIGINT PayloadYes
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight300 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control TypeRemote control with satellite link
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkYes
- Autonomous CapableYes
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingYes
▲Production3MOD.3
- Total Built20
- Operators1
- Variants0
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start2005
- Operational StatusActive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2007Production started
19
years in service
20
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
47RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES11POST-COLD WAR · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES797UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS228PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 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