SASR
Posts: 82
Joined: 3/1/2015 Status: offline
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[NOT ENOUGH INFO] Unit Request for RQ-180 I can't post links yet so I had to modify them a bit Sources: aviationweek/com/defense/secret-new-uas-shows-stealth-efficiency-advances deagel/com/AEWandC-ISR-and-EW-Aircraft/RQ-180_a0/0/2/9/1/5/0/0/1/aspx aviationweek/com/defense/where-does-rq-180-fit-stealthy-uas-history aviationweek/com/defense/2016-budget-bring-u-2-stay-execution Keep in mind that very little solid information about the RQ-180 is known to the public, so this DB entry will likely evolve over the coming years. >Believed to be similar in size, weight, and range to the RQ-4 Global Hawk "The RQ-180 is similar in size to the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), weighs roughly 15 tons at takeoff and can operate for 24 hours at ranges in excess of 1,200 nautical miles (2,100+ km) from its base. The advanced aerodynamics are intended to increase the range, flight altitude and time on station." >Superior to all previous stealth designs (F-117,F-22A, F-35) in terms of all-aspect broadband RCS reduction "A key feature of the RQ-180’s design is an improvement in all-aspect, broadband radar cross-section reduction over Lockheed Martin’s F-117, F-22 and F-35. This is optimized to provide protection from low- and high-frequency threat emitters from all directions." >No solid information on IOC date, but multiple sources indicate as early as 2015 "Developed under a secret contract with Northrop Grumman, the RQ-180 could be operational as soon as this year." - Article was published Jan. 24, 2015 "The drone is expected to enter production and achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by 2015 or later." >AESA radar plus ELINT and possibly jamming capabilities. From this we can also infer it will have some type of electro-optical sensor "The RQ-180 carries radio-frequency sensors such as active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and passive electronic surveillance measures, according to one defense official. It could also be capable of electronic attack missions."
< Message edited by emsoy -- 6/18/2015 10:17:57 PM >
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