Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel

Summary

Description

The RQ-170 Sentinel was developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works as a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Design similarities have been noted by journalists between the RQ-170 and previous stealth and UAV programs such as the Lockheed Martin RQ-3 DarkStar and Polecat. One Air Force official stated it shares the same concept as the RQ-3 DarkStar, incorporating stealth technology and similar data links, but on a larger scale. The "RQ" designation (R for reconnaissance, Q for unmanned) confirms that the RQ-170 Sentinel is unarmed, indicating that its primary role is intelligence gathering. A report in December 2012 indicated that approximately "20 or so" RQ-170s had been built.

The RQ-170 is a tailless flying wing aircraft featuring pods integrated into the upper surface of each wing. According to United States Army Training Circular 3-01.80, the Sentinel has a wingspan of 65 feet 7 inches (20 m) and a length of 14 feet 9 inches (4.50 m). Dimensions released by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard following the downing of an RQ-170 included a wingspan of about 26 metres (85 ft), a height of 1.84 metres (6.0 ft), and a length of 4.5 metres (15 ft). The aircraft is characterized by its flying wing design and a single, currently unconfirmed engine. Lacking common stealth engineering features like zigzag edged landing gear doors, sharp leading edges, and shielded exhaust, it has been suggested that designers avoided highly sensitive technologies, given the risk of operational loss and technology compromise. The medium-grey color could indicate a mid-altitude ceiling, potentially not exceeding 50,000 feet (15,000 m).

Aviation experts suggest that the RQ-170 is likely equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor and potentially an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in its belly fairing. The undercarriage fairings over the wings might house data links, with a modular belly fairing allowing for potential payloads beyond traditional reconnaissance, such as electronic warfare systems, although the RQ designation denotes an unarmed platform primarily intended for intelligence gathering. Some reports indicate the aircraft is also equipped with communications intercept equipment, as well as hyperspectral sensors capable of detecting radioactive isotopes and chemicals, which could point to the existence of nuclear weapons facilities. Aviation Week & Space Technology's David A. Fulghum has suggested the UAV is probably a "tactical, operations-oriented platform and not a strategic intelligence-gathering design".

The RQ-170 Sentinel has been deployed to various theaters, beginning with Afghanistan, where it was sighted at Kandahar Airfield in late 2007, leading to its "Beast of Kandahar" nickname. The Sentinel's presence in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's lack of radar capabilities, suggested its use for intelligence gathering in neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Iran, the latter possessing air defense systems requiring stealth penetration. In December 2009, the RQ-170 was test-flown in South Korea, with potential plans for permanent deployment in 2010 purportedly to monitor ballistic missile programs. Notably, at least one RQ-170 monitored the area during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011, providing live footage and monitoring communications. In December 2011, an RQ-170 was reportedly downed by Iran, leading to its capture. The USAF disclosed a deployment of RQ-170s in March 2021, without identifying the location.

Main Variants:

• RQ-170 Sentinel: The primary reconnaissance variant, designed for stealth and equipped with advanced sensors for intelligence gathering.

Technical specifications

All operators

United States