RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

American stealth drone, prominently used in intelligence collection operations, notable during the late 2000s into the 2010s.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 2005
Year introduced 2007
Number produced None units
Average unit price $6 million
American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 28 February 1998
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 40 units
Average unit price $131 million
Wingspan 20.0 m â—‰
Length 4.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg
Wingspan 39.9 m â—‰
Length 14.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 629 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km/h, a difference of 629 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 4.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 6 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel which entered service in 2007.