RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-4 Global Hawk
Overview
The RQ-170 Sentinel and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman respectively.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the RQ-170 Sentinel.
Unit cost is $6M for the RQ-170 Sentinel vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 7 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel (1998 vs 2005).
| 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 | N/A |
| 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 ◉ |
| Length | 4.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | -- km/h |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 14.5 m ◉ |
| 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
Detailed Comparison
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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 15,240 meters (50,000 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.