RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Sokol Altius
Overview
The RQ-4 Global Hawk and the Sokol Altius are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and OKB Sokol respectively.
Top speed is 629 km/h for the RQ-4 Global Hawk vs 350 km/h for the Sokol Altius. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has an operational range of 22,800 km vs 10,000 km for the Sokol Altius. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the Sokol Altius. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 2.4x the Sokol Altius's 6,000 kg.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in 40 units vs 3 for the Sokol Altius. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 21 years before the Sokol Altius (1998 vs 2019).
| 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 |
| Russian unmanned aerial vehicle, introduced in 2019, with high-altitude, long-endurance operations yet to be operationally deployed. | |
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | OKB Sokol |
| First flight | 20 August 2019 |
| Year introduced | 2012 |
| Number produced | 3 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 28.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 350 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,000 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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, 11 years before the Sokol Altius which entered service in 2012.
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.