RQ-4B Global Hawk

The RQ-4B Global Hawk, or Global Hawk Block 20, is an improved version of the proven RQ-4A Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The B model is bigger and heavier with a 50 percent increase in payload capacity from 2,000-lb to 3,000-lb and operates with two-and-a-half times the electrical power than the Block 10. In addition to the ISS electro-optical sensors integrated onto the RQ-4A, the RQ-4B will be able to accommodate SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) payloads for enhanced ISR capabilities as well as the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar system and future payloads while retaining A-model performance. Nevertheless, the B model falls behind the RQ-4A in terms of speed and range. On 12 July 2005, the US Air Force awarded Northrop-Grumman Global Hawk low rate initial production Lot 4 contract valued at $273 million for four RQ-4B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), enhanced sensor suites, one mission control element, one launch recovery element, support equipment and spares. The items deliveries were expected to be completed by July 2008. In November 2005 the USAF awarded Northrop-Grumman a $60 million contract to begin production on five RQ-4B Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Systems with vehicles assembly expected to start in early 2006. The first production Block 20 aircraft carried out its maiden flight on March 1, 2007.

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