Northrop Grumman RQ-180

History of the Northrop Grumman RQ-180

The U.S. Air Force disclosed the existence of a Northrop Grumman RQ-180 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in December 2013. It is an unarmed reconnaissance platform designed to conduct deep penetration operations into enemy airspace. The vehicle is believed to have extensive stealth capabilities, including unique body styling and coatings to avoid detection by enemies. The system shares the same form and function as the rival Lockheed RQ-170 Sentinel, but with greater range.

The RQ-180 stood out from competing designs offered by Boeing and Lockheed.

Northrop Grummans recent X-47B product launch for the U.S. Navy was a resounding success, resulting in the first drone carrier landing in aviation history. Northrop Grumman also has decades of experience supporting a fleet of technologically advanced B-2 Spirit flying-wing stealth bombers.

The new RQ-180 is thought to have adopted a similar design form to the X-47B. The aircraft's wingspan is estimated to be around 130 feet, but so far (December 2013) there has been little other word on the product.

This article will be updated as new information becomes available.

Specification

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