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RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global Hawk
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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
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 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 14,628 kg
Empty weight -- kg 8,620 kg
Performance Radar Chart

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).

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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.