Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman · United States · first flew 2002 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Global Hawk is a variant of the RQ-4B Global Hawk high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft modified to carry the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system, providing persistent communications relay for US forces.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single turbofan engine above rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Global Hawk airframe modified for BACN communications relay
- Single turbofan engine above rear fuselage
- High-altitude long-endurance HALE unmanned aircraft
Identical in external appearance to the RQ-4B Global Hawk: a very large unmanned aircraft with an extremely long straight high wing, a distinctive humped nose housing sensor apertures, and a single turbofan above the rear fuselage.
Specifications
- The Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Global Hawk has a length of 14.5 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 39.9 m (131 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 629 km/h (391 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The EQ-4B was developed as an unmanned alternative to the manned E-11A BACN aircraft, using the Global Hawk's superior endurance to maintain continuous communications relay over combat areas. It entered service around 2012 and has operated extensively over Afghanistan.
Variants
The EQ-4B is the BACN-equipped variant of the RQ-4B Global Hawk; the broader Global Hawk family includes the RQ-4A/B for ISR and the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) variant.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Air Force for persistent communications relay in support of operations in Afghanistan and other areas; supplements the manned E-11A BACN aircraft.
Related aircraft
- Northrop Grumman RQ-8A Fire Scout
- Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
- Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk
- Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk
- BQM-167 Skeeter
- IAI I-View
- Insitu MQ-27 ScanEagle
- Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk
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