On Exhibit Since 2011 RQ-4A Global Hawk

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

RQ-4A Global Hawk on display.

RQ-4A Global Hawk Facts

RQ-4A Global Hawk on display with plaque
RQ-4A Global Hawk on display
  • Northrop Grunman RQ-4 Basics

    The RQ-4A Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that reaches up to 65,000 feet and can stay airborne for over 28 hours at speeds approaching 340 knots. Its sensor suite provides global all-weather, day or night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. Global Hawk missions support peacetime, contingency and wartime operations.

    The Global Hawk provides persistent near-real-time coverage using Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Moving Target Indicators (MTI).

  • Crew and Equipment

    Remote Crew:

    • Launch and Recovery Element (LRE)
    • Mission Control Element (MCE)

    Equipment:

    • IMINT sensors
    • SIGINT sensors
    • MTI sensors

  • Roles

    Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

  • History of Goodfellow's RQ-4A Global Hawk

    On 14 September 2011, this aircraft was placed aboard a C-5 Galaxy and transported to nearby Mathis Field for permanent display on Goodfellow. ISR students may find themselves working with Global Hawks in their career.

RQ-4A Global Hawk at night RQ-4A Global Hawk on display RQ-4A Global Hawk on display RQ-4A Global Hawk on display RQ-4A Global Hawk on display

Training

RQ-4A Global Hawk; Initial Operational Capability: 2011; Status: Operational; Role: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Range: 12,500 nautical miles, 35 hours; Speed (loiter): 340 knots; Ceiling: 65,000 feet; Remote Crew: 3 consisting of the LRE pilot, MCE pilot, and sensor operator; Fun fact: At 131 feet the Global Hawk's wingspan is 28 feet wider than that of the U-2 (103 feet) and ll feet longer than the length of the Wright Brothers' first flight (120 feet).