| RQ-4 Global Hawk | |
|---|---|
 An RQ-4 Global Hawk flying in 2007 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 42 RQ-4Bs as of FY2013[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1998–present |
| Introduction date | November 2001 |
| First flight | 28 February 1998 |
| Developed into | Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton |
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[2] 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 forces.
Cost overruns led to the original plan to acquire 63 aircraft being cut to 45, and to a 2013 proposal to mothball the 21 Block 30 signals intelligence variants.[1] The initial flyaway cost of each of the first 10 aircraft was US$10 million in 1994.[3] By 2001, this had risen to US$60.9 million (~$100 million in 2023),[4] and then to $131.4 million (flyaway cost) in 2013.[1] The U.S. Navy has developed the Global Hawk into the MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance platform. As of 2022[update], the U.S. Air Force plans to retire its Global Hawks in 2027.[5]
- ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference
GAO-13-294SPwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Global Hawk Enterprise". Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
- ^ US GAO (April 2000). "Progress of the Global Hawk Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Soaring Costs Not Likely to Slow Down Global Hawk". National Defence Magazine, May 2006.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
bdefense20220727was invoked but never defined (see the help page).