The story
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a bigger wingspan than a 737 and no cockpit at all. It climbs to 60,000 feet and watches half a continent at a time while its crew works in shifts on the ground.
In 2001 a Global Hawk flew from California to Australia non-stop — the first uncrewed aircraft to cross the Pacific.
Quick answers
How do you identify a RQ-4 Global Hawk?
Enormous straight wings, a whale-shaped nose hump, and a V-tail. If you see one low, it's probably landing at a base like Grand Forks or Sigonella.
What does a RQ-4 Global Hawk sound like?
A single muffled turbofan — but at 60,000 feet you will never hear it.
How fast is the RQ-4 Global Hawk?
Top speed is 340 kts.
How far can the RQ-4 Global Hawk fly?
Range is about 12,300 nmi.
How big is the RQ-4 Global Hawk?
It is 47 ft 7 in long and 130 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the RQ-4 Global Hawk first fly?
Its first flight was in 1998.
How many RQ-4 Global Hawks have been built?
45+ built.
How rare is a RQ-4 Global Hawk in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first RQ-4 Global Hawk catch is worth 250 points.
