Summary The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk assists the US Air Force and NATO with ISR missions, although it does not have offensive capabilities. The drone has covered missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Ukraine, proving its worth in global conflicts. Enlisted pilots fly the Global Hawk, the only USAF aircraft to have enlisted troop pilots since 1957.
When it comes to US military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), chances are the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper (AKA "Predator B") are the first examples that come to mind, thanks to the deadly drone strike missions that it performed during the Global War On Terror (Afghanistan and Iraq alike). For better or worse, military drones are here to stay. Simple Flying examines the five that are proving most impactful.
Learn more about the MQ-9 Reaper . However, another UAV has proven invaluable to US Air Force and NATO missions, even if it might not be as well-known. Simple Flying now takes a new look at the Northrup Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk.
The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk is an RPA with a range of more than 14,000 miles and can stay in the air for more than a day. RQ-4 early history and specifications The RQ-4 made its maiden flight on February 28, 1998, and officially entered operational service in November 2001 (great timing, as this was barely two months after the 9/11 attacks and the resultant kickoff of GWOT). As of fiscal year 2013 (FY2013), 42 airframes had been built.
Developed from Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Tr.