Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman RQ-4E EuroHawk
The Northrop Grumman RQ‑4E EuroHawk, a high‑altitude, long‑endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial system, traces its origins to the U‑2 reconnaissance program of the 1950s. Developed from the RQ‑4 Global Hawk family, the EuroHawk variant entered service with the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force in 2010, later adopted by several NATO allies. Powered by a single Rolls‑Royce AE 3007 turbofan, it can cruise above 60,000 feet for up to 36 hours, providing persistent surveillance over vast areas. Its distinctive 115‑foot wingspan houses a modular payload bay capable of carrying synthetic‑aperture radar, electro‑optical/infrared sensors, and signals‑intelligence packages, all linked to real‑time data links and secure communications. Advanced autonomous flight‑control software enables fully pre‑programmed missions with automatic waypoint navigation and in‑flight re‑tasking. The EuroHawk’s endurance and sensor suite have transformed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, reducing the need for manned aircraft in contested environments and lowering operational costs. Its success has spurred further development of HALE platforms and reinforced Northrop Grumman’s position as a leader in unmanned aerial technology, shaping modern aerial warfare and disaster‑response strategies worldwide. Future upgrades aim to integrate artificial‑intelligence driven analytics and higher‑bandwidth communications, ensuring the EuroHawk remains a pivotal asset in next‑generation ISR missions.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 14.5 metre
- Height
- 4.7 metre
- Mass
- 14630 kilogram
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 585 kilometre per hour
- Service Ceiling
- 18300 metre
- Range
- 22780 kilometre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 2010
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Northrop Grumman
- Engine
- Rolls-Royce AE 3007H
- Operator
-
Bundeswehr
- Wikidata ID
- Q112966984