Overview
The Northrop Grumman RQ-180 is being developed as a high-speed, stealth-minded, airspace-penetrating UAV reconnaissance platform.
The Northrop Grumman RQ-180 is being developed as a high-speed, stealth-minded, airspace-penetrating UAV reconnaissance platform.
YEAR: 2015
MANUFACTURER(S): Northrop Grumman - USA
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: United States
Technical Specifications
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 0
POWER: (Assumed) 1 x turbofan engine.
ADVERTISEMENTS
LENGTH
0
feet
0
meters
WIDTH / SPAN
0
feet
0
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HEIGHT
0
feet
0
meters
EMPTY WGT
0
pounds
0
kilograms
M.T.O.W.
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pounds
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kilograms
CEILING
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feet
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miles
RANGE
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miles
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nautical miles
Armament
None. Mission-specific payloads as related to reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence-gathering.
None. Mission-specific payloads as related to reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence-gathering.
Variants / Models
• RQ-180 - Base Series Designation
• RQ-180 - Base Series Designation
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 Reconnaissance Stealth UAV. Entry last updated on 7/6/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 Reconnaissance Stealth UAV. Entry last updated on 7/6/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The existence of the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was unveiled by the United States Air Force in December of 2013. It is an unarmed, reconnaissance-minded platform intended for deep penetration actions over enemy airspace. It is assumed that the vehicle utilizes extensive stealth features including unique body-shaping and coatings to avoid enemy detection. The system is along the same form and function of the competing Lockheed RQ-170 Sentinel though with a more extended endurance envelope. The RQ-180 was selected ahead of competing designs offered by Boeing and Lockheed.
Northrop Grumman has already enjoyed considerable public exposure through recent successes with the X-47B product for the US Navy - completing the first-ever carrier landing by a UAV in aviation history. Northrop Grumman also has over a decades-worth of experience in supporting the technologically-advanced fleet of B-2 Spirit flying wing stealth bombers. It is believed that the new RQ-180 takes on a similar design shape as the X-47B. The vehicle's wingspan is estimated to be around 130 feet though little else on the product has been revealed to date (December 2013).
This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
Northrop Grumman has already enjoyed considerable public exposure through recent successes with the X-47B product for the US Navy - completing the first-ever carrier landing by a UAV in aviation history. Northrop Grumman also has over a decades-worth of experience in supporting the technologically-advanced fleet of B-2 Spirit flying wing stealth bombers. It is believed that the new RQ-180 takes on a similar design shape as the X-47B. The vehicle's wingspan is estimated to be around 130 feet though little else on the product has been revealed to date (December 2013).
This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
Media
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
City-to-City Ranges
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Graph showcases the Northrop Grumman RQ-180's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (1)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
1
1
Altitude Visualization
