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RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-170 SentinelFull specs
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global HawkFull specs
Specifications
RQ-170 Sentinel RQ-4 Global Hawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 2005 28 February 1998
Year introduced 2007 2001
Number produced N/A 40 units
Average unit price $6 million $131 million
Wingspan 20.0 m 39.9 m
Height -- m 4.7 m
Length 4.8 m 14.5 m
Maximum speed -- km/h 629 km/h
Operational range -- km 22,800 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 14,628 kg
Empty weight -- kg 6,781 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 3,447 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which can fly higher, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
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.