RQ-4A/B Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System (RQ-4A/B Global Hawk)
Abstract
The RQ-4A/B Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System (RQ-4A/B Global Hawk) is a high altitude, long endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with an integrated sensor suite and ground segment that provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to joint warfighters. The system provides high-resolution, high-quality, digital Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to include Ground Moving Target Indicator, plus Electro-Optical (EO), and medium wave Infrared (IR) imagery of targets and other critical areas of interest. The program does not have an antecedent system. The current program profile consists of: Block 20, 30, and 40 aircraft which are larger than Block 10 aircraft and capable of carrying up to a 3,000-pound (lb) payload. All Block 10 aircraft have either been retired or transferred to the Navy or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Block 20 was designed to be Image Intelligence only and carries an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) that is designed for increased performance range and location accuracy over the Block 10 payload. The operational Block 20 aircraft have been converted to the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) configuration, which provides airborne communications relay and gateway that allows real-time information exchanges between different tactical data link systems and provides decision makers with critical information. Block 30 carries the Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload that brings Signals Intelligence capability with the EISS. Block 40 incorporates the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program Radar as its only sensor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA615060
Entities
Organizations
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center