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AIRCRAFT PROGRAM

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk

Lift typeFixed wing
Construction typeFactory-built
Control typeAutonomous
Engine typeTurbofan
ApplicationSurveillance
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Single turbofan reconnaisance UAV. Includes EuroHawk, NATO AGS, RQ-4B and MQ-4C Triton variants

Type variants

Variant Launch/First flight Production end  
Northrop Grumman RQ-4A 1997 / 1998 Initial production variant.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4B 2002 / 2004 Enhanced and enlargened version of RQ-4A.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4D Phoenix 2009 / 2019 NATOS AGS variant.
Northrop Grumman EuroHawk 2009 / 2010 2013 German Air Force ordered variant of RQ-4B, developed by EuroHawk GmbH.
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton 2012 / 2013 Maritime variant.

View full news archive for the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk.

See recent updates (latest 08/06/2026)

Supply chain

  (41 links)
Materials Composite Materials (1)
Manufacturing Processes & Treatments Forming Processes (1) Tooling (1)
Airframe & Structures Airframe Assemblies (2) Landing Assemblies (3) Structural Components (4) Weapons Systems (1)
Propulsion Engine Rotating & Gas-Path Parts (2) Turbine Engines (1)
Mechanical Systems & Hardware Fasteners (1)
Fluid, Fuel & Environmental Systems Fluid Power (3) Fuel Systems (2)
Electrical & Electronic Active Electronic Components (1) Electrical Power Systems (3) Electrical/Electronic Connectors (2) Passive Electronic Components (1) Terminals, Relays & Switching (3)
Avionics, Instruments & Sensors Communications (Airborne) (2) Flight & Data Management (2) Imaging and Visual Systems (3) Sensors, Transducers & Detectors (1)
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Materials / Composite Materials

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Airframe & Structures / Landing Assemblies

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Propulsion / Engine Rotating & Gas-Path Parts

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Electrical & Electronic / Terminals, Relays & Switching

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Avionics, Instruments & Sensors / Sensors, Transducers & Detectors

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Information on this page is compiled from a variety of published sources, and links do not necessarily imply recommendation or confirmation by the airframe manufacturer.