The RQ-4A Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial reconnaissance system designed to provide military field commanders with high resolution, near real-time imagery of large geographic areas.
Since first flight, the Global Hawk has now logged more than 3,000 flight hours of which over 1,500 are combat hours during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Advanced technology sensors, a range greater than half-way around the world, and the ability to remain in flight for long periods of time enable the Global Hawk to provide the warfighter with the essential intelligence needed to achieve information dominance throughout the ever-changing battle-space.
The aircraft's 13,500 nautical mile range and 36 hours of endurance, combined with satellite and line-of-sight communication links to the ground segment, permit worldwide operation of the system. High-resolution sensors, which can look through adverse weather (day or night), from an altitude of 65,000 feet, can conduct surveillance over an area the size of Illinois in just 24 hours.
The superior performance of the Global Hawk system will significantly enhance the U.S. miltary's ability to prevail in all types of operations, from sensitive peacekeeping missions to full-scale combat.
Northrop Grumman's Role
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems in El Segundo, CA, is the prime contractor. Team members include: Raytheon, Allied Signal, Aurora Flight Sciences, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Litton Systems, Marconi, Rollys Royce, Titan Linkabit, and Vista Controls. Engineering for the Global Hawk is done in Rancho Bernardo, CA and final assembly in Palmdale, CA.

Acquisition Agency
U.S. Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH

User(s)
U.S. Air Force, Joint Forces Command. Other potential Global Hawk customers are US Navy, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Australia, and Germany.