Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk
The RQ-4 Global Hawk began as a DARPA program for an unmanned strategic reconnaissance platform in 1999, and was initially known simply as the Tier II. It was meant to supplement and eventually replace the aging U-2Rs being used by the USAF, and had a similar sensors layout. With a low number of U-2s and the urgent need for aerial reconnaissance, the prototype RQ-4s were sent to Afghanistan in late 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, and the USAF placed the RQ-4 in immediate production. These became the RQ-4A, which did not quite have the range or capability the USAF wanted, but was all that was available. Once the initial production run of ten RQ-4As was finished, Northrop Grumman began work on the RQ-4B, which had a longer fuselage and wingspan, allowing for more sensors to be carried. These went into production in 2006.
The Global Hawk, being unmanned, requires two separate units to operate: the Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) which handles takeoffs and landings, and the Mission Control Element (MCE), which actually flies the aircraft during its mission. Both units are contained in purpose-built trailers, which can be carried by aircraft like the C-130 (though they must be on the ground to fly RQ-4s). The LRE and MCE need not be at the same site, and can operate from even different continents.
Since it is intended for strictly reconnaissance rather than strike, the Global Hawk is unarmed, and typically flies its missions at high altitude. Its main sensor suite is a Hughes HISAR, which combines a synthetic aperature radar with IR and electrooptical sensors, tied into a common processor. The HISAR can detect moving targets within 60 miles, and provides photography at the same scale and resolution as satellites—often better, as the Global Hawk can, if necessary, fly below cloud cover. The suite can transmit data instantly by satellite to the MCE or any other compatible computer system worldwide.
Since the RQ-4 is unmanned, its endurance is only limited to fuel consumption; since the Global Hawk uses a fairly small engine and is built of lightweight composites, this gives it a very long range. RQ-4s regularly operate over 10,000 miles away from their controllers. Navigation is done through GPS along with an internal INS, and the Global Hawk is the first unmanned aircraft allowed to fly in civilian air lanes without prior notification. Finally, without a pilot to risk, Global Hawks can also be placed in high-threat areas without too much worry. USAF RQ-4s have been very active over Iraq and Afghanistan, with some losses due to teething troubles and poor weather; one was shot down in 2019 by Iran.
Though I've seen Global Hawks before, this aircraft is not a mockup, but the real thing. 02-2011 was the fourth RQ-4A built, and it entered service with the USAF in 2004, probably with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California. During its career, it flew combat reconnaissance missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2011, having hit nearly 8000 hours of flight time, the USAF decided to retire 02-2011 and place it on display at the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia. It went on display in 2015.
Not a great picture of 02-2011, I'm afraid; my camera was just about dead at this point and I was in a hurry. It does show the Global Hawk's enormous wingspan, and how big it is compared to the U-2 next to it. The Museum of Aviation has done a nice job with this display, showing the past (SR-71 and U-2) and future (RQ-4) of reconnaissance.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk
The RQ-4 Global Hawk began as a DARPA program for an unmanned strategic reconnaissance platform in 1999, and was initially known simply as the Tier II. It was meant to supplement and eventually replace the aging U-2Rs being used by the USAF, and had a similar sensors layout. With a low number of U-2s and the urgent need for aerial reconnaissance, the prototype RQ-4s were sent to Afghanistan in late 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, and the USAF placed the RQ-4 in immediate production. These became the RQ-4A, which did not quite have the range or capability the USAF wanted, but was all that was available. Once the initial production run of ten RQ-4As was finished, Northrop Grumman began work on the RQ-4B, which had a longer fuselage and wingspan, allowing for more sensors to be carried. These went into production in 2006.
The Global Hawk, being unmanned, requires two separate units to operate: the Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) which handles takeoffs and landings, and the Mission Control Element (MCE), which actually flies the aircraft during its mission. Both units are contained in purpose-built trailers, which can be carried by aircraft like the C-130 (though they must be on the ground to fly RQ-4s). The LRE and MCE need not be at the same site, and can operate from even different continents.
Since it is intended for strictly reconnaissance rather than strike, the Global Hawk is unarmed, and typically flies its missions at high altitude. Its main sensor suite is a Hughes HISAR, which combines a synthetic aperature radar with IR and electrooptical sensors, tied into a common processor. The HISAR can detect moving targets within 60 miles, and provides photography at the same scale and resolution as satellites—often better, as the Global Hawk can, if necessary, fly below cloud cover. The suite can transmit data instantly by satellite to the MCE or any other compatible computer system worldwide.
Since the RQ-4 is unmanned, its endurance is only limited to fuel consumption; since the Global Hawk uses a fairly small engine and is built of lightweight composites, this gives it a very long range. RQ-4s regularly operate over 10,000 miles away from their controllers. Navigation is done through GPS along with an internal INS, and the Global Hawk is the first unmanned aircraft allowed to fly in civilian air lanes without prior notification. Finally, without a pilot to risk, Global Hawks can also be placed in high-threat areas without too much worry. USAF RQ-4s have been very active over Iraq and Afghanistan, with some losses due to teething troubles and poor weather; one was shot down in 2019 by Iran.
Though I've seen Global Hawks before, this aircraft is not a mockup, but the real thing. 02-2011 was the fourth RQ-4A built, and it entered service with the USAF in 2004, probably with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California. During its career, it flew combat reconnaissance missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2011, having hit nearly 8000 hours of flight time, the USAF decided to retire 02-2011 and place it on display at the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia. It went on display in 2015.
Not a great picture of 02-2011, I'm afraid; my camera was just about dead at this point and I was in a hurry. It does show the Global Hawk's enormous wingspan, and how big it is compared to the U-2 next to it. The Museum of Aviation has done a nice job with this display, showing the past (SR-71 and U-2) and future (RQ-4) of reconnaissance.