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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs U-2 Dragon Lady

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs U-2 Dragon Lady at a glance — top speed 629 vs 805 km/h, range 22,800 vs 11,280 km, max takeoff weight 14,628 vs 18,144 kg, built 40 vs 104 units.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global Hawk
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon Lady
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed
First flight 28 February 1998 1 August 1955
Year introduced 2001 1956
Number produced 40 units 104 units
Average unit price $131 million $50 million
Wing area -- m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 31.0 m
Height -- m 4.9 m
Length 14.5 m 19.0 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 7,711 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 629 km/h, a difference of 176 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 11,280 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,144 kg compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 14,628 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 14.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 45 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 U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.