Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel

{{Short description|Unmanned aerial vehicle by Lockheed Martin}} {{redirect|Sentinel drone|the type of drone|surveillance drone}} {{good article}}  {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox aircraft | name = RQ-170 Sentinel | logo = | logo_size = | image = File:RQ-170 art impression.jpg | alt = | caption = Artist's rendering | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = | manufacturer = Lockheed Martin | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = In service | owners = | primary_user = United States Air Force | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 20 to 30<ref name="Warzone Air Force Makes Extremely Rare">{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |date=12 March 2021 |title=Air Force Makes Extremely Rare Mention Of Deployment Of RQ-170 Stealth Drones |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39753/air-force-makes-extremely-rare-announcement-about-deployment-of-rq-170-stealth-drones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607050850/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39753/air-force-makes-extremely-rare-announcement-about-deployment-of-rq-170-stealth-drones |archive-date=7 June 2023 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=The Drive}}</ref> | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = 2007 | retired = | first_flight = | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = Shahed 171 Simorgh<br />Shahed Saeqeh | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel''', nicknamed '''Wraith''',<ref name="Wraith">{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |date=3 May 2021 |title=Declassified Docs Offer New Details About A Growing RQ-170 "Wraith" Force |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40427/declassified-docs-offer-new-details-about-a-growing-rq-170-wraith-force |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602220541/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40427/declassified-docs-offer-new-details-about-a-growing-rq-170-wraith-force |archive-date=2 June 2023 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=The Drive}}</ref> is an American unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lockheed Martin and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). While the USAF has released few details on the UAV's design or capabilities, defense analysts believe that it is a stealth aircraft fitted with aerial reconnaissance equipment. Introduced in 2007, it was deployed to Afghanistan in late 2007, South Korea two years later in September 2009, and was used during the 2026 United States intervention in Venezuela. Some images and details of the aircraft were released after Iran captured an RQ-170 in 2011. It has a flying wing design, and uses a single engine, speculated to be either a General Electric TF34 turbofan or a Garrett TFE731.

==Development== The RQ-170 Sentinel was developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works as a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Journalists have noted design similarities between the RQ-170 and previous stealth and UAV programs such as the Lockheed Martin RQ-3 DarkStar and Polecat.<ref name="design-similarity">{{cite news |first=David A. |last=Fulghum |title=RQ-170 Has Links to Intelligence Loss to China |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a7544751e-3bdc-4e52-9be7-07000988da92&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=9 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016142710/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:7544751e-3bdc-4e52-9be7-07000988da92&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |archive-date=16 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lake |first=Darren |date=10 April 2009 |title=Mystery UAV operation in Afghanistan |url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/2393/mystery-uav-operating-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109072831/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/2393/mystery-uav-operating-in-afghanistan/ |archive-date=9 January 2010 |access-date=9 December 2009 |publisher=UV Online}}</ref> An Air Force official said, "It's the same concept as [the RQ-3] DarkStar, it's stealthy, and it uses the same apertures and data links, only it's bigger."<ref name="design-similarity"/> It is a tailless flying wing aircraft with pods built into the upper surface of each wing.<ref name="Fulghum_Ares">{{cite web|last=Fulghum|first=David A.|date=4 December 2009|title=U.S. Air Force Reveals Operational Stealth UAV|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:649e3cf4-8c07-4739-82cf-322c6c56ccd5&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117090945/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a649e3cf4-8c07-4739-82cf-322c6c56ccd5&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|archive-date=17 November 2011|access-date=4 December 2009|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref><ref name="Another_beast_picture">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:e87edbbf-7a62-44e6-94d4-e067d137ec2b&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|title=Another Beast Picture|last=Sweetman|first=Bill|date=11 November 2009|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|access-date=13 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728154216/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3ae87edbbf-7a62-44e6-94d4-e067d137ec2b&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the United States Army Training Circular 3-01.80, the Sentinel has a wingspan of {{convert|65|ft|7|in|m|0}}, and is {{convert|14|ft|9|in|m}} long.<ref name="army_official">{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=12 May 2017 |title=This U.S. Army Manual Has New Official Details About the RQ-170 Sentinel Drone |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/10221/this-u-s-army-manual-has-new-official-details-about-the-rq-170-sentinel-drone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929105535/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/10221/this-u-s-army-manual-has-new-official-details-about-the-rq-170-sentinel-drone |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=22 March 2021 |website=The Drive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |date=5 June 2020 |title=Satellite Image Showing RQ-170 Sentinel Near MQ-9 Reaper Gives Us Best Size Estimate Yet |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33907/satellite-image-showing-rq-170-sentinel-near-mq-9-reaper-gives-us-best-size-estimate-yet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209160118/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33907/satellite-image-showing-rq-170-sentinel-near-mq-9-reaper-gives-us-best-size-estimate-yet |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=5 June 2020 |website=The Drive}}</ref> In a December 2012 report, journalist David Axe stated that "20 or so" RQ-170s had been built.<ref name="7 Secret Ways">{{cite news|last=Axe|first=David|title=7 Secret Ways America's Stealth Armada Stays Off the Radar|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/steath-secrets/?pid=1688|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=Wired|date=13 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217031705/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/steath-secrets/?pid=1688|archive-date=17 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The "RQ" designation (R for reconnaissance, Q for unmanned) indicates that the RQ-170 Sentinel does not carry weapons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dsouza |first=Larkins |date=26 December 2009 |title=RQ-170 Sentinel 'Beast of Kandahar' |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2009/12/rq-170-sentinel-beast-of-kandahar-confirmed-by-us-airforce.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518171250/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2009/12/rq-170-sentinel-beast-of-kandahar-confirmed-by-us-airforce.html |archive-date=18 May 2011 |access-date=2 December 2010 |work=Defence Aviation}}</ref> ''Aviation Week & Space Technology''{{'}}s David A. Fulghum believes that the UAV is probably a "tactical, operations-oriented platform and not a strategic intelligence-gathering design".<ref name="Fulghum_Ares" />

The USAF confirmed the "grainy photos of a gray, flying-wing-typed unmanned airplane near Kandahar Airfield."<ref name="USAFafaFeb2010">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0210watch/|title=Washington Watch|last=Correll|first=John T.|date=February 2010|volume=93|issue=2|magazine=Air & Space Forces Magazine|access-date=3 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117025359/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0210watch/|archive-date=17 November 2025|url-status=live|issn=0730-6784}}</ref> Since then, this aircraft has been known as "The Beast of Kandahar" in relation to the sighting of the RQ-170 Sentinel on 4 December 2009.<ref name="Fulghum_Ares" /><ref name="Fulghum_Sweetman_AvWeek">{{cite web |last1=Fulghum |first1=David A. |last2=Sweetman |first2=Bill |date=4 December 2009 |title=USAF Confirms Stealthy UAV Operations |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/BEAST120409.xml&headline=USAF%20Confirms%20Stealthy%20UAV%20Operations&channel=defense |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113033224/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2FBEAST120409.xml&headline=USAF%20Confirms%20Stealthy%20UAV%20Operations&channel=defense |archive-date=13 January 2012 |access-date=8 December 2009 |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> A USAF colonel subsequently commented that RQ-170 is separate from the MQ-X program, which has yet to determine stealth or powerplant requirements, and thus the Sentinel will not replace the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator and General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drones.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=10 December 2009 |title=RQ-170 not intended to replace Predators and Reapers |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/12/rq-170-not-intended-to-replace.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215070045/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/12/rq-170-not-intended-to-replace.html |archive-date=15 December 2009 |access-date=11 December 2009 |work=FlightGlobal}}</ref> In 2021, the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing made a statement in which they said that "the 432nd AEW has ... successfully deployed and redeployed RQ-170 Sentinel forces."<ref name="Warzone Air Force Makes Extremely Rare"/>

==Design== The RQ-170 is a flying wing design containing a single (as yet classified) engine, and was estimated in 2009 by ''Aviation Week'' as having a wingspan of approximately {{convert|66|ft|m|}}.<ref name="AW">{{cite journal|last=Fulghum|first=David A.|author2=Bill Sweetman |date=14 December 2009|title=Stealth over Afghanistan|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|publisher=McGraw-Hill|pages=26–27}}</ref> Its takeoff weight is estimated as being greater than the RQ-3 DarkStar's, which was {{convert|8500|lb|kg|sigfig=2}}. The design lacks several elements common to stealth engineering, such as zigzag edged landing gear doors and sharp leading edges, and the exhaust is not shielded by the wing.<ref name="AW" /> ''Aviation Week'' postulates that these elements suggest the designers have avoided "highly sensitive technologies" due to the near certainty of eventual operational loss inherent with a single engine design and a desire to avoid the risk of compromising leading edge technology.<ref name="AW" /> The publication also suggests that the medium-grey color implies a mid-altitude ceiling, unlikely to exceed {{convert|50000|ft|m|}}, since a higher ceiling would normally be painted darker for concealment.<ref name="AW" /> The postulated weight and ceiling parameters suggests the possible use of a General Electric TF34 engine, or a variant in the airframe.<ref name="AW" /> thumb|left|US Army recognition drawings of the RQ-170

On the basis of the few publicly available photographs of the RQ-170, aviation expert Bill Sweetman has assessed that the UAV is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor and possibly an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted in its belly fairing. He has also speculated that the two undercarriage fairings over the UAV's wings may house datalinks and that the belly fairing could be designed for modular payloads, allowing the UAV to be used for strike missions and/or electronic warfare.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sweetman|first=Bill|title=The Beast is Back|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:5b32f70f-3054-4261-947e-dc8fe095d08b&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|access-date=26 January 2011|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|date=25 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117085419/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a5b32f70f-3054-4261-947e-dc8fe095d08b&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|archive-date=17 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' has reported that the RQ-170 is "almost certainly" equipped with communications intercept equipment, as well as highly sensitive hyperspectral sensors capable of detecting very small amounts of radioactive isotopes and chemicals that may indicate the existence of nuclear weapons facilities.<ref name="NYT Drone Crash in Iran">{{cite news|last=Shane|first=Scott|author2=Sanger, David E.|title=Drone Crash in Iran Reveals Secret U.S. Surveillance Effort|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/middleeast/drone-crash-in-iran-reveals-secret-us-surveillance-bid.html|access-date=9 December 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=7 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208234312/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/middleeast/drone-crash-in-iran-reveals-secret-us-surveillance-bid.html|archive-date=8 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hyperspectral">{{cite web |last=Ambinder |first=Marc |date=6 December 2011 |title=U.S. Drone That Went Down in Iran Was High-Tech Intel Tool, Officials Say |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/12/us-drone-that-went-down-in-iran-was-high-tech-intel-tool-officials-say/249562/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127145636/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/12/us-drone-that-went-down-in-iran-was-high-tech-intel-tool-officials-say/249562/ |archive-date=27 January 2023 |access-date=22 March 2021 |publisher=The Atlantic}}</ref>

Following Iranian claims of downing an RQ-170 near the Afghan border in December 2011, Iranian TV showed video footage of what appears to be an advanced unmanned U.S. aircraft that most closely resembles the RQ-170 UAV. In the footage, a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard released dimensions of the aircraft, including a wingspan of about {{convert|26|m|ft}}, a height of {{convert|1.84|m|ft}}, and a length of {{convert|4.5|m|ft}}.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16098562 |publisher=BBC News |title=Iran shows film of captured US drone |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716191141/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16098562 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operational history== [[File:USAF RQ-170 photograph.webp|thumb|The only official USAF photograph of an RQ-170 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on an unspecified date]] The 30th Reconnaissance Squadron was the first unit to operate RQ-170 Sentinels. Based at Tonopah Test Range Airport in Nevada, this squadron was activated on 1 September 2005. RQ-170 Sentinels have been deployed to Afghanistan, where one was sighted at Kandahar Airfield in late 2007.<ref name="Fulghum_Ares" /><ref name="jason ukman">{{cite news |last=Ukman |first=Jason |date=8 December 2011 |title=RQ-170: A primer on the 'Beast of Kandahar' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/rq-170-a-primer-on-the-beast-of-kandahar/2011/12/08/gIQA7rYjfO_blog.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309210818/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/rq-170-a-primer-on-the-beast-of-kandahar/2011/12/08/gIQA7rYjfO_blog.html |archive-date=9 March 2023 |access-date=17 March 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> This sighting, and the Sentinel's secret status at the time, led Sweetman to dub it the "Beast of Kandahar".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/12/mysteries-surround-afghanistans-stealth-drone/|title=Mysteries Surround Afghanistan's Stealth Drone|last=Hambling|first=David|date=8 December 2009|magazine=Wired|access-date=8 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209113613/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/12/mysteries-surround-afghanistans-stealth-drone|archive-date=9 December 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The UAV being deployed to Afghanistan, despite the Taliban having no radar, led to speculation that the aircraft was used to spy on Pakistan or Iran. Phil Finnegan, a UAV analyst at an aerospace consulting firm, suggests the stealth capabilities of the Sentinel are being used to fly in nearby countries. Iran has an air defense system that would require stealth technology to penetrate.<ref>{{cite news |title=US Air Force confirms 'Beast of Kandahar' drone |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20091209-184783.html |agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Asiaone |date=9 December 2009 |access-date=9 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212224823/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20091209-184783.html |archive-date=12 December 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Michael |date=23 December 2009 |title=Unveiling the 'Beast of Kandahar' |url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_beast_122009/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104173818/http://militarytimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_beast_122009/ |archive-date=4 January 2010 |website=Military Times}}</ref>

In December 2009, South Korea's ''JoongAng Daily'' newspaper reported that the RQ-170 Sentinel had been test-flown in South Korea for the past few months and that it was expected to be permanently deployed in 2010 to replace Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft operating from Osan Air Base.<ref>{{cite news |last=Min-seok |first=Kim |date=19 December 2009 |title=U.S. to base new unmanned spy plane in Korea |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2914210 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129224112/http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2914210 |archive-date=29 January 2010 |access-date=24 December 2009 |publisher=JoongAng Daily}}</ref> In response to this report, Sweetman argued that the Sentinel's deployments to Afghanistan and South Korea were probably undertaken to monitor Pakistan and North Korea's ballistic missile programs.<ref name="Sweetman_Korea">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:088e4448-9e53-492f-8a14-7671361e1743&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|title=Beast Sighted in Korea|last=Sweetman|first=Bill|date=16 February 2010|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|access-date=18 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813065330/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a088e4448-9e53-492f-8a14-7671361e1743&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest|archive-date=13 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, through an FOIA request, it was revealed that the USAF ordered the deployment of the drone to Kunsan Air Base on 4 September 2009. It is unknown exactly how many RQ-170s were deployed.<ref name="korea deployment">{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |last2=Rogoway |first2=Tyler |date=8 January 2020 |title=Details Emerge About The Secretive RQ-170 Stealth Drone's First Trip To Korea |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31992/exclusive-details-on-the-secretive-rq-170-stealth-drones-first-trip-to-korea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209163451/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31992/exclusive-details-on-the-secretive-rq-170-stealth-drones-first-trip-to-korea |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=The Drive}}</ref>

On 2 May 2011, at least one RQ-170 monitored the area while elements of the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group launched an assault on the compound which resulted in bin Laden's death. The aircraft provided footage of the attack which was watched live by President Barack Obama and his senior national security advisors. The RQ-170 also monitored Pakistani military radio transmissions in the area to provide warning of the response to the attack.<ref name="CIA flew stealth drones">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Greg|title=CIA flew stealth drones into Pakistan to monitor bin Laden house|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-flew-stealth-drones-into-pakistan-to-monitor-bin-laden-house/2011/05/13/AF5dW55G_story.html|access-date=19 May 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=18 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823180031/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-flew-stealth-drones-into-pakistan-to-monitor-bin-laden-house/2011/05/13/AF5dW55G_story.html|archive-date=23 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 May the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported that Pakistani officials were "alarmed" by the use of the RQ-170 over their country as the drones are "designed to evade radar and other surveillance systems, and can be used as a spy plane".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richter |first1=Paul |last2=Cloud |first2=David S. |last3=Rodriguez |first3=Alex |date=27 May 2011 |title=Angry Pakistan rejects U.S. appeal, plans to review drone campaign |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-clinton-20110528,0,6909030.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606045551/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-clinton-20110528,0,6909030.story |archive-date=6 June 2011 |access-date=28 May 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

In October 2012 a RQ-170 was used to conduct bomb damage assessment for a test drop of a Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb from a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |date=7 November 2014 |title=U.S. Stealth Drone Helped Test Huge Bomb |url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/u-s-stealth-drone-helped-test-huge-bomb-a2bfd0cd6a89 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108035810/https://medium.com/war-is-boring/u-s-stealth-drone-helped-test-huge-bomb-a2bfd0cd6a89 |archive-date=8 November 2014 |access-date=8 November 2014 |website=Medium}}</ref> The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron was established on 1 April 2015. While the USAF did not disclose what aircraft the unit was equipped with, it has been reported that it was established to operate RQ-170s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |last2=Rogoway |first2=Tyler |date=25 April 2018 |title=Shedding Some Light On The Air Force's Most Shadowy Drone Squadron |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/19318/uncovering-the-air-forces-most-mysterious-drone-squadron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010105934/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/19318/uncovering-the-air-forces-most-mysterious-drone-squadron |archive-date=10 October 2023 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=The Drive}}</ref><ref name="af.mil">{{cite web |date= |title=RQ-170 Sentinel |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2796993/rq-170-sentinel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209132221/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2796993/rq-170-sentinel/ |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=United States Air Force}}</ref> From 4 August 2020 to 6 August 2020, at least one RQ-170 participated in a $1.4 million Large Force Test Event at Nellis Air Force Base, in Nevada.<ref name="LFTE">{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |last2=Hunter |first2=Jamie |date=6 August 2020 |title=Stealth Is Put To The Test In Huge Exercise Teaming RQ-170s, F-35s, B-2s With Other Jets |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35465/stealth-is-put-to-the-test-in-huge-exercise-teaming-rq-170s-f-35s-b-2s-with-other-jets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928150818/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35465/stealth-is-put-to-the-test-in-huge-exercise-teaming-rq-170s-f-35s-b-2s-with-other-jets |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=17 March 2021 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

It is believed that between 20 and 30 RQ-170s were in service with the USAF as of 2021. At this time, the type continued to be operated by the 30th and 44th Reconnaissance Squadrons. The USAF disclosed a deployment of RQ-170s in March 2021, but did not identify where they had operated.<ref name="Warzone Air Force Makes Extremely Rare" />

In January 2026, at least one RQ-170 was used during the 2026 United States intervention in Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2026-01-29 |title=Lockheed Confirms RQ-170 Sentinel Spy Drones Took Part In Maduro Capture Mission|url=https://www.twz.com/air/lockheed-confirms-rq-170-sentinel-spy-drones-took-part-in-maduro-capture-mission|access-date=2026-01-04 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Iranian capture and reverse engineering=== {{Main|Iran–U.S. RQ-170 incident|Shahed 171 Simorgh|Shahed Saeqeh}} thumb|Iranian built copy of the RQ-170 in 2014 On 4 December 2011, media reports stated that the Iranian Army's electronic warfare unit had downed an RQ-170 that violated Iranian airspace along its eastern border through overriding its controls, and had captured the lightly damaged UAV.<ref name=":0" /> On 6 December, U.S. officials acknowledged that a drone crashed in or near Iranian airspace and that it belonged to the CIA, and not to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) as was earlier stated by the US government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/after-drone-was-lost-cia-tried-a-head-fake/2011/12/06/gIQAJNrnZO_blog.html|title=After drone was lost, CIA tried a head fake|date=6 December 2011|access-date=8 December 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Greg|last=Miller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225152743/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/after-drone-was-lost-cia-tried-a-head-fake/2011/12/06/gIQAJNrnZO_blog.html|archive-date=25 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Iranian government released footage of a captured RQ-170 on 8 December.<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran Captures a U.S. Stealth Drone Intact|url=http://media.farsnews.ir/media/Uploaded/Files/Video/1390/09/17/13900917192923.flv|access-date=8 December 2011|date=8 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112113501/http://media.farsnews.ir/media/Uploaded/Files/Video/1390/09/17/13900917192923.flv|archive-date=12 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> After examining the video that same day, U.S. officials confirmed that the drone was genuine.<ref name="CNN_doubts">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/world/meast/iran-drone/index.html |title=U.S. officials, analysts differ on whether drone in Iran TV video is real |date=8 December 2011 |publisher=CNN |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209022140/http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/world/meast/iran-drone/index.html |archive-date=9 December 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Orr |first=Bob |date=8 December 2011 |title=U.S. official: Iran does have our drone |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-official-iran-does-have-our-drone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324193400/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-official-iran-does-have-our-drone/ |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=11 December 2011 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref> In April 2012, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aerospace division, claimed that Iran had reverse-engineered the RQ-170, and was building a copy of the UAV. He also stated that data were being recovered from the captured RQ-170.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 April 2012 |title=Iran Says It Is Building Copy of Captured US Drone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/04/22/world/middleeast/ap-iran-us-drone.html?_r=1&hp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925172012/https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-says-it-is-building-copy-of-captured-us-drone/ |archive-date=25 September 2023 |access-date= |newspaper=The Times of Israel |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Shane |first2=Scott |date=22 April 2012 |title=Iranians Say They Took Secret Data From Drone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/23/world/middleeast/iranians-say-they-took-secret-data-from-drone.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707205135/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/23/world/middleeast/iranians-say-they-took-secret-data-from-drone.html |archive-date=7 July 2017 |access-date=27 February 2017 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2013 |title=US RQ-170 Drone Reverse Engineered by Iran |url=https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13920631000264/US-RQ-0-Drne-Reverse-Engineered-by-Iran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927102747/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13920631000264 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |website=Fars News Agency}}</ref> The semi-official Tasnim News Agency of Iran reported in September 2016 that a UAV named Saegheh-2, similar in appearance to the RQ-170 Sentinel, had been built. It was said to be able to carry four precision-guided bombs; the range was not stated. The Shahed 171 Simorgh is also based on the downed Sentinel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/01/iran-builds-thunderbolt-drone |title=Iran builds attack drone similar to captured US model, local media say |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2 October 2016 |author= |access-date=2 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002061239/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/01/iran-builds-thunderbolt-drone |archive-date=2 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Israeli military shot down a Saeqeh drone during the February 2018 Israel–Syria incident. Israeli media reported that the UAV's design was indeed largely based on the RQ-170, while IAF Brigadier General Tomer Bar said that the drone was quite advanced and emulated western technology.<ref name="gross20180210">{{Cite news |last=Gross |first=Judah Ari |date=10 February 2018 |title=Iranian UAV that entered Israeli airspace seems to be American stealth knock-off |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-uav-that-entered-israeli-airspace-seems-to-be-american-stealth-knock-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114073926/https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-uav-that-entered-israeli-airspace-seems-to-be-american-stealth-knock-off/ |archive-date=14 November 2023 |access-date=12 February 2018 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Operators== ;{{USA}}<ref name="Warzone Air Force Makes Extremely Rare" /> * United States Air Force **30th Reconnaissance Squadron – Creech Air Force Base, Nevada **44th Reconnaissance Squadron – Creech Air Force Base, Nevada

==Specifications (RQ-170)== thumb|Artist's rendering of the RQ-170 Sentinel {{Aircraft specs |ref= The Drive, Army Training Circular 3-01.80<ref name="army_official"/><ref name="size_specs"/> |prime units?=kts  |genhide= |crew=3 on ground |capacity= |length m=4.5 |length ft=14 |length in=9 |length note= |span m=11.58 |span ft=38 |span in=7 |span note=<ref name="size_specs">{{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |date=5 June 2020 |title=Satellite Image of RQ-170 Taxiing by MQ-9 Gives Best Size Estimate Yet of Stealth Drone |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33907/satellite-image-showing-rq-170-sentinel-near-mq-9-reaper-gives-us-best-size-estimate-yet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209160118/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33907/satellite-image-showing-rq-170-sentinel-near-mq-9-reaper-gives-us-best-size-estimate-yet |archive-date=9 December 2023 |website=The Drive}}</ref> |upper span m= |upper span ft= |upper span in= |upper span note= |mid span m= |mid span ft= |mid span in= |mid span note= |lower span m= |lower span ft= |lower span in= |lower span note= |swept m= |swept ft= |swept in= |swept note= |dia m= |dia ft= |dia in= |dia note= |width m= |width ft= |width in= |width note= |height m= |height ft=6 |height in= |height note= estimated<ref name="size_specs" /> |wing area sqm= |wing area sqft= |wing area note= |swept area sqm= |swept area sqft= |swept area note= |volume m3= |volume ft3= |volume note= |aspect ratio= |airfoil= |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb= |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |lift kg= |lift lb= |lift note= |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Garrett TFE731 or General Electric TF34<ref name="AW" /> |eng1 type=turbofan |eng1 kw= |eng1 hp= |eng1 kn= |eng1 lbf= |eng1 note= |power original= |thrust original= |eng1 kn-ab= |eng1 lbf-ab= |eng2 number= |eng2 name= |eng2 type= |eng2 kw= |eng2 hp= |eng2 kn= |eng2 lbf= |eng2 note= |eng2 kn-ab= |eng2 lbf-ab= |eng3 number= |eng3 name= |eng3 type= |eng3 kw= |eng3 hp= |eng3 kn= |eng3 lbf= |eng3 note= |eng3 kn-ab= |eng3 lbf-ab= |more power= |prop blade number= |prop name= |prop dia m= |prop dia ft= |prop dia in= |prop note= |rot number= |rot dia m= |rot dia ft= |rot dia in= |rot area sqm= |rot area sqft= |rot area note=  |perfhide= |max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph= |stall speed kts= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph= |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed mph= |minimum control speed kts= |minimum control speed note= |range km= |range miles= |range nmi= |range note= |combat range km= |combat range miles= |combat range nmi= |combat range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance=5 to 6 hours<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Demerly |first1=Tom |last2=Cenciotti |first2=David |date=2 November 2020 |title=Let's Talk About the Mysterious Drone Photographed over California |url=https://theaviationist.com/2020/11/02/lets-talk-about-the-mysterious-drone-photographed-over-california/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112235206/https://theaviationist.com/2020/11/02/lets-talk-about-the-mysterious-drone-photographed-over-california/ |archive-date=12 November 2023 |website=The Aviationist}}</ref> |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=50,000 |ceiling note=estimated<ref>{{cite news|title=Iran shows off captured US drone |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8944248/Iran-shows-off-captured-US-drone.html |work=The Telegraph |first1=David |first2=Alex |last1=Blair |last2=Spillius |access-date=8 December 2011|location=London|date=8 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208223844/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8944248/Iran-shows-off-captured-US-drone.html|archive-date=8 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> |g limits= |roll rate= |glide ratio= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading lb/sqft= |wing loading note= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance=  |armament= |guns= |bombs= |rockets= |missiles= |hardpoints= |hardpoint capacity= |hardpoint rockets= |hardpoint missiles= |hardpoint bombs= |hardpoint other= |other armament= |avionics= }}

==See also== * Northrop Grumman RQ-180

==References== ;Notes {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel}} * [http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104547/rq-170-sentinel.aspx RQ-170 Sentinel Fact Sheet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330140635/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104547/rq-170-sentinel.aspx |date=30 March 2017 }} from the United States Air Force * [http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/g5112-rq-170-sentinel.html RQ-170 Sentinel Pictures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117111803/http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/g5112-rq-170-sentinel.html |date=17 November 2015 }} from DefenceTalk.com

{{Lockheed Martin aircraft}} {{US unmanned aircraft}} {{Electronic warfare navbox}} {{Stealth aircraft}} Category:Stealth aircraft Q-170 Category:2000s United States military reconnaissance aircraft Category:Unmanned military aircraft of the United States Category:Single-engined jet aircraft Category:Flying wings Category:Unmanned stealth aircraft Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear

Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel

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