RQ-170 Sentinel

The RQ‑170 Sentinel is a stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. First revealed in 2007 when a CIA‑operated Sentinel crashed in Iran, the aircraft’s origins trace back to the early 2000s when the Air Force sought a high‑altitude, low‑observable platform to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in contested airspace. Built with a distinctive flying‑wing design, the Sentinel incorporates advanced composite materials, radar‑absorbent coatings, and an internal payload bay that houses electro‑optical, infrared and signals‑intelligence sensors. Its ability to cruise at altitudes above 50,000 feet while maintaining a minimal radar cross‑section allows it to penetrate heavily defended regions without detection. The vehicle’s autonomous flight computer and encrypted data links provide real‑time imagery to ground stations, supporting strategic decision‑making. The RQ‑170 has influenced subsequent UAV development, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating stealth technology into remotely piloted systems and prompting other nations to pursue similar capabilities. Its operational record, though largely classified, underscores a shift toward unmanned platforms as pivotal assets in modern air power and intelligence gathering. The Sentinel remains a cornerstone of U.S. covert aerial operations, shaping future stealth UAV concepts.

Lockheed Martin

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