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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Sokol Altius

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Sokol Altius at a glance — top speed 629 vs 350 km/h, range 22,800 vs 10,000 km, max takeoff weight 14,628 vs 6,000 kg, built 40 vs 3 units.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global Hawk
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk Sokol Altius
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman OKB Sokol
First flight 28 February 1998 20 August 2019
Year introduced 2001 2021
Number produced 40 units 3 units
Average unit price $131 million --
Wingspan 39.9 m 28.5 m
Length 14.5 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 350 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 10,000 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg 6,000 kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg 6,000 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Sokol Altius's 350 km/h, a difference of 279 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Sokol Altius's 10,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Sokol Altius's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Sokol Altius's 6,000 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Sokol Altius's 11.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 20 years before the Sokol Altius which entered service in 2021.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Sokol Altius?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in greater numbers with 40 units compared to 3 units of the Sokol Altius.