Northrop GrummanCorporation
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Manufactured 1998–present
Northrop Grumman
RQ-4 GlobalHawk
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| General information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air ForceNASA NATO |
| Number built | 42 RQ-4Bs as of FY2013 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1998–present |
| Introduction date | November 2001 |
| First flight | 28 February 1998 |
| Developed into | Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton |
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History Northrop GrummanCorporation
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Manufactured 1998–present
The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft introduced in 2001. It was initially designed by Ryan Aeronautical (now part of Northrop Grumman), and known as Tier II+ during development. The RQ-4 provides a broad overview and systematic surveillance using high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors with long loiter times over target areas.
The Global Hawk is operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). It is used as a high-altitude long endurance (HALE) platform covering the spectrum of intelligence collection capability to support forces in worldwide military operations. According to the USAF, the superior surveillance capabilities of the aircraft allow more precise weapons targeting and better protection of friendly forcesDesign The Global Hawk has a high wing aspect ratio for efficiency, a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan on top with the exhaust between its V-tail, and a front bulge housing its satellite antenna. Overview The Global Hawk UAV system comprises the RQ-4 air vehicle, which is outfitted with various equipment such as sensor packages and communication systems; and a ground element consisting of a Launch and Recovery Element (LRE), and a Mission Control Element (MCE) with ground communications equipment.[68] Each RQ-4 air vehicle is powered by an Allison Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan engine with 7,050 lbf (31.4 kN) thrust, and carries a payload of 2,000 pounds (910 kilograms). The fuselage uses aluminum, semi-monocoque construction with a V-tail; the wings are made of composite materials
The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) ordered a variant of the RQ-4B, to be equipped with a customized sensor suite, designated "EuroHawk". The aircraft was based on the RQ-4B Block 20/30/40 and was to be equipped with an EADS-built signals intelligence (SIGINT) package; it was intended to fulfill Germany's requirement to replace their aging Dassault-Breguet Atlantique electronic surveillance aircraft of the Marineflieger (Naval Air arm of the German Navy). The EADS sensor package is composed of six wing-mounted pods; reportedly these sensor pods could potentially be used on other platforms, including crewed aircraft.
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Photo Gallery
Northrop GrummanCorporation
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Manufactured 1998–present
Northrop GrummanCorporation
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Manufactured 1998–present
General characteristics
- Crew: 0 onboard (3 remote: Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) pilot; Mission Control Element (MCE) pilot and sensor operator)
- Capacity: 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
- Length: 47 ft 7 in (14.5 m)
- Wingspan: 130.9 ft (39.9 m)
Powerplant
- Height: 15.3 ft (4.7 m)
- Empty weight: 14,950 lb (6,781 kg)
- Gross weight: 32,250 lb (14,628 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce F137-RR-100 turbofan engine, 7,600 lbf (34 kN) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: (629 km/h, 340 kn)
- Cruise speed: (570 km/h, 310 kn)
- Range:(22,800 km, 12,300 nmi)
- Endurance: 34+ hours
- Service ceiling: (18,000 m)
ircraft of comparable role
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Links to Youtube & Others
Following the September 11th attacks, the normal acquisition process was bypassed almost immediately and early developmental Global Hawk models were employed in overseas contingency operations beginning in November 2001.[71][78] Global Hawk ACTD prototypes were used in the War in Afghanistan and in the Iraq War.
Northrop Grumman
RQ-4 GlobalHawk
The Global Hawk carries the Hughes Integrated Surveillance & Reconnaissance (HISAR) sensor system
Youtube Link
On 19 June 2019, a U.S. Navy BAMS-D RQ-4A from NAS Patuxent River flying over the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz was shot down
Read more in Northrop Aviation
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