GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs SR-71 Blackbird

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs SR-71 Blackbird at a glance — top speed 629 vs 3,541 km/h, range 22,800 vs 5,230 km, max takeoff weight 14,628 vs 78,018 kg, built 40 vs 32 units.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global HawkFull specs
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 BlackbirdFull specs
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed
First flight 28 February 1998 22 December 1964
Year introduced 2001 1966
Number produced 40 units 32 units
Average unit price $131 million $185 million
Wing area -- m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 17.0 m
Height 4.7 m 5.7 m
Length 14.5 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 6,781 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,447 kgf 2 x 15,422 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations US Military Drones
SR-71 Blackbird vs U-2 Dragon Lady RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Shahed 136 RQ-4 Global Hawk vs RQ-11 Raven RQ-4 Global Hawk vs ZALA Lancet RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Switchblade 300 RQ-4 Global Hawk vs MQM-107 Streaker

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 629 km/h, a difference of 2,912 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 18,288 meters (60,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 14,628 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 14.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk at $131 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 35 years before the RQ-4 Global Hawk which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in greater numbers with 40 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.