Intro
Discover the secrets of the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel, a stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for reconnaissance and surveillance. Learn about its advanced design, capabilities, and mission history. Get insider knowledge on this cutting-edge drones speed, altitude, and payload, and explore its role in modern military operations and drone warfare technology.
The Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel is a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force (USAF). Here are five facts about this advanced surveillance drone:
Development and Design
The RQ-170 Sentinel was developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, which is responsible for designing and building many of the company's advanced and secretive aircraft projects. The Sentinel has a unique design, with a flying wing configuration and a V-shaped tail section. This design allows the UAV to have a low radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect.
Stealth Capabilities
The RQ-170 Sentinel is designed to be a stealthy aircraft, with a number of features that reduce its radar cross-section. These features include its flying wing design, the use of radar-absorbent materials, and a special coating that helps to reduce its visibility on radar. The Sentinel's stealth capabilities make it an ideal platform for reconnaissance and surveillance missions in denied or contested airspace.
Operational History
The RQ-170 Sentinel has been operational since 2007, and has been used by the USAF for a variety of reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The UAV has been deployed to several locations around the world, including Afghanistan and the Middle East. In 2011, a Sentinel was captured by Iranian forces after it crashed on Iranian territory. The incident highlighted the risks of operating advanced UAVs in hostile airspace.
Sensors and Payload
The RQ-170 Sentinel is equipped with a range of sensors and payloads, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, synthetic aperture radar, and signals intelligence sensors. These sensors allow the UAV to gather a wide range of intelligence, from high-resolution imagery to communications intercepts. The Sentinel's payload is modular, allowing operators to configure the UAV for specific missions.
Specs and Performance
Here are some key specs and performance characteristics of the RQ-170 Sentinel:
- Length: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Wingspan: 66 feet (20.1 meters)
- Height: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Empty weight: 1,800 pounds (816 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 8,500 pounds (3,856 kilograms)
- Powerplant: 1 x General Electric TF34 turbofan engine
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.5 (375 mph or 603 km/h)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
- Range: 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers)
- Endurance: 24 hours
Operators
The RQ-170 Sentinel is operated by the United States Air Force, specifically by the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. The UAV is also operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Legacy and Future Development
The RQ-170 Sentinel has been an important part of the USAF's reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, providing operators with a stealthy and flexible platform for gathering intelligence. The UAV has also played a key role in the development of advanced UAV technology, including stealth designs and advanced sensors.
Next-Generation UAVs
The RQ-170 Sentinel is expected to be replaced by next-generation UAVs, such as the Lockheed Martin RQ-180. The RQ-180 is a more advanced UAV that features improved stealth capabilities and advanced sensors.
Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel Image Gallery
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