Japan takes Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk drone into the air for the first time

In 2015, Japan began the process of purchasing the RQ-4B Global Hawk drone. Seven years later, the drone flew for the first time over the Land of the Rising Sun.

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The first drone arrived in Japan earlier this year, flying from the United States in less than 19 hours. On Dec. 21, the RQ-4B took to the skies for the first time, having been accepted into service by the Air Self-Defense Force.

The Japanese version of the drone is equipped with synthetic aperture radar, infrared and electro-optical sensors, and additional equipment for aerial reconnaissance. The deal includes delivery of three RQ-4B Global Hawks, operational support for flight tests, two ground control stations and spare parts.

The drone is designed by Northrop Grumman, a US company. The RQ-4B Global Hawk can reach speeds of up to 637 kilometers per hour and is capable of reaching altitudes of about 20 kilometers.

A fuel tank capacity of 7,847 liters provides a range of 22,780 km. The RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic drone has a maximum payload of 1,360 kg. Operators of UAV are USA, Australia and now Japan.

Source: The Drive
Image: Northrop Grumman