The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides global all-weather, day or night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.
In the RQ-4 name, the “R” is the Department of Defense designation for Reconnaissance and “Q” means unmanned aircraft system. The “4” refers to the series of purpose-built remotely piloted aircraft systems.
How Much Does an RQ-4 Global Hawk Cost?
In accordance with Lea Greene, the chief of public affairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base, the “base” model of the RQ-4 Global Hawk costs around $99 million. Furthermore, the latest Block 40 version adds another $30 million for sensors and other equipment. So, a Block 40 RQ-4 Global Hawk costs up to $130 million.Is the Global Hawk Stealth?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is stealthy, but the Air Force has plans to move forward with a replacement UAV called the RQ-180.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk took its first flight in 1998 and has participated in multiple U.S. military operations. It’s one of the Air Force’s premier reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft and has an unmatched flight time, which is why it’s been used in so many successful American missions and will always be an important part of American military history.