The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides global all-weather, day or night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and radar systems that allow it to gather real-time imagery, signals intelligence, and other intelligence data. It is often used for military and civilian applications, including monitoring border areas, conducting aerial surveillance, supporting disaster relief efforts, and providing situational awareness in conflict zones.

The Global Hawk represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial technology and provides the United States with a valuable asset for gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance over large areas for extended periods without risking human lives.

Northrop Grumman’s GLOBAL HAWK is one of, if not the world’s premier surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft system—and the Air Force’s go-to eye in the sky.

In the RQ-4 name, the “R” is the Department of Defense designation for Reconnaissance and “Q” means unmanned aircraft system. The “4” refers to the series of purpose-built remotely piloted aircraft systems.

CHAPTERS00:00 Meet the RQ-4 Global Hawk02:00 MQ-4C Triton Drone for the U.S. Navy02:40 Why the USAF Loves the Global Hawk04:47 Global Hawk Ground-based Command and Control06:07 A HAWK With Global Reach07:19 Global Hawk Retirement