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RQ-3 DarkStar
Photo: Carla Thomas · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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RQ-3DarkStar

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 1996
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RQ-3DarkStar

RQ-3 DarkStar
RQ-3 DarkStar Photo: Carla Thomas · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
70
Operating Altitude
80
Range
75
Data-Link
60
Stealth / Survivability
90
Image Quality
80
Autonomy
65
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
50
Origin United States
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service1996–1999
Operators1 countries
Quantity5
Data Quality84%
74
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
9/69
Post-Cold War
27/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
70
Operating Altitude
80
Range
75
Data-Link
60
Stealth / Survivability
90
Image Quality
80
Autonomy
65
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
50
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
RQ-3 DarkStar
Production
1996–1999
Quantity
5
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
9
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
55
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
74
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
◎General5MOD.5
  • UAV ClassHigh-altitude endurance UAV
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight1996
  • Primary Rolereconnaissance
  • In ServiceNo
◈Airframe6MOD.6
  • Length4.572 m
  • Wingspan21.3 m
  • Height1.1 m
  • Empty Weight1,977.696 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight3,855.6 kg
  • Low ObservableYes
▣Powerplant3MOD.3
◇Performance3MOD.3
  • Cruise Speed463.45 km/h
  • Service Ceiling13,500 m
  • Range925 km
◆Payload & Sensors3MOD.3
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built5
  • Operators1
  • Variants1
◎Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year1999
  • Production Start1996
  • Production End1999
  • Operational Statusterminated
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1996Production started
  2. 1999Production ended
  3. 2003First deployment: 2003 invasion of Iraq
30
years in service
3
years in production
5
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
RQ-3 DARKSTAR · CONFLICTS SERVED IN100% win
Total Conflicts
1
Victories
1
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 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.
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 →