Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk

Northrop Grumman · United States · first flew 2007 · reconnaissance aircraft

The Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk is the enlarged Block 20/30/40 production standard of the HALE reconnaissance drone, featuring a longer fuselage and wider wingspan than the RQ-4A to accommodate improved sensor payloads. It remains the USAF's primary strategic HALE ISR asset.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	Nearly 40 m wingspan, 14.5 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Larger HALE ISR drone than the RQ-4A
Nearly 40 m wingspan, 14.5 m fuselage
Single Rolls-Royce AE 3007H turbofan above rear fuselage

Larger than the RQ-4A with a nearly 40 m wingspan; otherwise shares the same distinctive bulbous nose, straight high wings, and rear-mounted engine.

Specifications

The Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk has a length of 14.5 m (48 ft).
It has a wingspan of 39.8 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 RQ-4B first flew in 2007 and entered service progressively through Block 20, 30, and 40 standards. Block 40 aircraft carry the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) ground surveillance radar.

Variants

Block 20 (improved payload bay), Block 30 (multi-intelligence), Block 40 (AESA radar); the EQ-4B carries Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) relay equipment.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the USAF; also used by the US Navy as the MQ-4C Triton, and by Japan and Australia in the Triton configuration.

Related aircraft

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