Raytheon
Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Global Hawk
The Northrop Grumman EQ‑4B Global Hawk, a joint effort between Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, emerged in the early 2010s to meet the U.S. Air Force’s demand for a high‑altitude, long‑endurance platform capable of both surveillance and missile‑tracking missions. Building on the heritage of the RQ‑4A Global Hawk, the EQ‑4B first flew in 2015 and entered operational service in 2020 as the “Able Eagle” system, integrating Raytheon’s advanced 130‑centimeter multi‑function radar and sophisticated software for real‑time fire‑control support.
Key features include a wingspan of 131 feet, a cruising altitude above 60,000 feet, and an endurance of more than 30 hours, allowing persistent coverage of vast areas. Its radar can simultaneously track multiple ballistic and cruise missiles, classify air‑breathing threats, and provide high‑resolution ground mapping. The aircraft’s open‑architecture avionics and satellite‑link data‑relay enable seamless fusion of sensor data with command‑and‑control networks, delivering actionable intelligence to shooters on the battlefield.
The EQ‑4B’s significance lies in its role as a force multiplier for integrated air‑and‑missile defense, extending the reach of the United States’ layered deterrence strategy while reducing reliance on costly crewed fighters for early‑warning tasks. Its successful deployment marks a milestone in unmanned aerial system capability, demonstrating how high‑altitude ISR platforms can evolve into multifunctional, combat‑support assets.
Key features include a wingspan of 131 feet, a cruising altitude above 60,000 feet, and an endurance of more than 30 hours, allowing persistent coverage of vast areas. Its radar can simultaneously track multiple ballistic and cruise missiles, classify air‑breathing threats, and provide high‑resolution ground mapping. The aircraft’s open‑architecture avionics and satellite‑link data‑relay enable seamless fusion of sensor data with command‑and‑control networks, delivering actionable intelligence to shooters on the battlefield.
The EQ‑4B’s significance lies in its role as a force multiplier for integrated air‑and‑missile defense, extending the reach of the United States’ layered deterrence strategy while reducing reliance on costly crewed fighters for early‑warning tasks. Its successful deployment marks a milestone in unmanned aerial system capability, demonstrating how high‑altitude ISR platforms can evolve into multifunctional, combat‑support assets.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 14.5 metre
- Height
- 4.7 metre
- Mass
- 7847 kilogram
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 574 kilometre per hour
- Service Ceiling
- 18288 metre
- Range
- 22780 kilometre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 5
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Raytheon
- Military Designation
- EQ-4B
- Engine
- Rolls-Royce AE 3007H
- Operator
-
United States Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q112967088