US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft in satellite imagery
In the 21st century, satellite reconnaissance capabilities have significantly increased, and even ordinary citizens now have access to high-resolution images of the Earth's surface. This is due to the sharp increase in the number of privately owned spacecraft in the near-Earth orbit over the past two decades.
In addition to privately owned satellites designed for commercial use, numerous imagery, electronic, and radar reconnaissance satellites, launched by government agencies on behalf of the military, orbit the Earth daily. These reconnaissance satellites monitor strategic and tactical nuclear forces, track the movements of large military units, ships, and traffic flows, and monitor tests. missile и aviation technicians carry out radio interception and identify the locations of system deployments Defense and about.
However, space reconnaissance assets are not always capable of responding quickly and plugging all the holes. Furthermore, changing a satellite's orbit shortens its operational life, making it unable to perform tactical missions. Therefore, reconnaissance aircraft for various purposes remain in high demand, and the United States currently has the largest fleet of reconnaissance aircraft.
Boeing E-3G Sentry long-range airborne surveillance and electronic reconnaissance aircraft
According to reference data, as of 2024, the U.S. Air Force had 21 Boeing E-3G Sentry airborne early warning aircraft (19 in service), assigned to eight operational command squadrons. There is also one test squadron and one reserve squadron. More than half of the operational squadrons and the reserve squadron are stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
Google Earth satellite imagery shows Boeing E-3G Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft and Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker tankers at Tinker Air Force Base.
The first modification of the E-3A AWACS aircraft was based on a Boeing 707-320 passenger jet with Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-100A engines. The lead aircraft entered service with the 552nd Airborne Early Warning Wing in 1977.
With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 157,300 kg, the aircraft can patrol for 11 hours without refueling. Its maximum speed is up to 855 km/h. Its ceiling is 12,000 meters. Its tactical range is 1600 km. Patrols are typically conducted at an altitude of 8,000-10,000 meters and a speed of 750 km/h.
In the 21st century, all U.S. Air Force AWACS aircraft with sufficient service life were upgraded to the E-3G standard. With the upgraded electronics, a single AWACS aircraft patrolling at 9000 meters (300 ft) can monitor an area of over 000 square kilometers.2Three E-3Gs can maintain constant radar monitoring of the air situation over all of Central Europe, with the aircraft's radar detection zones overlapping. According to media reports, the detection range of a low-altitude target with an RCS of 1 m2 The detection range against the ground in the absence of interference is 400 km. Medium-altitude bombers can be detected at a range of over 500 km, while high-altitude aerial targets flying at a significant altitude can be detected at a range of up to 650 km. The latest modifications of AWACS aircraft significantly enhance their ability to detect stealth aircraft, cruise missiles flying at extremely low altitudes, and ballistic missiles in flight.
In addition to tracking air and sea targets using an onboard radar system, E-3G aircraft are equipped with highly sophisticated electronic reconnaissance stations, the antennas of which are located in the forward fuselage, which allows for the detection, classification, and determination of coordinates of radio sources across a wide frequency spectrum.
Much attention is being paid to increasing flight range and patrol duration, for which purpose in-flight refueling from KS-135R/T and KS-46A air tankers is regularly practiced.
AWACS aircraft are overhauled and modernized at the Life Extension Facility at Tinker Air Force Base. Boeing B-52H Stratofortress and Rockwell B-1 Lancer long-range bombers, Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker air tankers, Boeing E-6B Mercury nuclear command and control aircraft, Boeing RC-135S/U/V/W long-range reconnaissance aircraft, and Lockheed C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft are also refurbished and serviced there.
A Google Earth satellite image shows a Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft and other aircraft at the Tinker Air Force Base aircraft repair facility.
Despite significant operating costs, the E-3G's flight activity is currently roughly the same as during the Cold War. Meanwhile, the number of Sentries in service is quite significant, and the level of technical readiness is high.
A Google Earth satellite image of a Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft and Boeing KC-135 tanker aircraft at RAF Mildenhall, UK. The image was taken in June 2022.
American AWACS aircraft frequently make stopovers at American air bases around the world and fly near the borders of Russia, China, and North Korea.
Google Earth satellite image of Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft and a Lockheed C-5M Galaxy heavy military transport aircraft at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base.
In addition to the air base in Oklahoma, Pacific Air Command's E-3G aircraft are permanently stationed at Elmendorf-Richardson AFB, Alaska (962nd Control Squadron) and Kadena AFB, Japan (961st Control Squadron).
Google Earth satellite imagery shows a Boeing E-3G Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft and Boeing KC-135R aerial refueling tankers at Kadena Air Base.
In the Mediterranean region, Akrotiri Air Base on the island of Cyprus serves as a staging airfield. From there, AWACS aircraft can monitor the airspace over Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt, as well as conduct electronic reconnaissance, identifying and classifying ground-based and land-based radars and radio stations.
Google Earth satellite image of a Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft at Akrotiri Air Base.
Since March 2022, several E-3G aircraft have been on duty at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia (968th Expeditionary Control Squadron), and aircraft from this squadron are also regularly present at Thumrait Air Base in Oman.
Google Earth satellite imagery shows Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft and Lockheed C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base.
For the past decade, 4-5 E-3G aircraft have been stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, located 32 km south of Abu Dhabi.
Google Earth satellite image of Boeing E-3G Sentry and Boeing KC-46A Pegasus AWACS aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base. The image was taken in October 2020.
Al Dhafra is the largest American airbase in the region. The 380th Expeditionary Air Group, which includes airborne early warning and control aircraft, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, fighters, attack aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, is deployed there.
Boeing RC-135 S/U/V/W long-range reconnaissance aircraft
During the Cold War, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft kept Soviet air defenses on edge. Their exceptional durability and high upgrade potential ensured these aircraft enjoyed an enviable longevity. Along with the B-52H bomber, these reconnaissance aircraft are the oldest in the US Air Force. The first aircraft in the RC-135 family began performing reconnaissance missions in 1961.
The Boeing RC-135S/U/V/W long-range reconnaissance aircraft traces its lineage to the Boeing C-135A Stratolifter transport aircraft, which in turn was based on the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker. Although only 32 airframes were built, new modifications were developed throughout their life cycle, including aircraft for various types of reconnaissance (electronic, radio intercept, radar for tracking ballistic missile tests, etc.). During repairs and modernization, onboard equipment and engines were replaced.
According to reference data, the US Air Force currently operates the following: 1 RC-135S Cobra Ball, 2 RC-135U Combat Sent, 1 RC-135V Rivet Joint, and 18 RC-135W Rivet Joint. These aircraft equip seven Air Force operational reconnaissance squadrons, one combat training squadron, and one Air National Guard reserve squadron. Currently, all reconnaissance aircraft of this type in the US Air Force are assigned to the 55th Wing, headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. In addition to Offutt Air Force Base, aircraft of the 55th Wing are deployed to Elmendorf Air Force Base (Alaska), Kadena Air Force Base (Japan), Mildenhall Air Force Base (United Kingdom), and Souda Air Force Base (Greece).
Google Earth satellite image of Boeing RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft of various modifications at Offutt Air Force Base.
The most numerous aircraft in this family are the RC-135W Rivet Joint modification, designed for conducting electronic reconnaissance.
The RC-135W long-range reconnaissance aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 135,000 kg (305,000 lb) without in-flight refueling, has a range of up to 9100 km (5,700 mi). Its service ceiling is 12,000 m (39,000 ft). Four CFM International F-108-CF-201 turbofan engines, each producing 98 kN (21,000 lb) of thrust, provide a maximum speed of 933 km/h (573 mph). Its cruising speed is 880 km/h (550 mph). The flight crew consists of four. There are workstations for four control officers, fourteen reconnaissance equipment and telecommunications systems operators, and four flight engineers. The only remaining RC-135V Rivet Joint in service differs only slightly from the later and more numerous RC-135W Rivet Joint model in its onboard equipment.
Google Earth satellite image of a Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint at Offutt Air Force Base.
The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft is equipped with equipment that collects, geolocates, and analyzes radio signals across the entire frequency spectrum. If necessary, the collected information is quickly transmitted via satellite communications channels in various formats to a wide range of users. It is capable of operating in tandem with the Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft. When interacting with the AWACS system, the RC-135V/W transmits a radar-generated symbolic and graphical picture of the air situation generated by the E-3G aircraft's operators. This image is then returned to the RC-135V/W in digital form in near real time, supplemented by markers for recognizing and classifying airborne targets based on radio and electronic reconnaissance data against the backdrop of a compromised enemy air defense system.
The RC-135S Cobra Ball, equipped with a multi-role synthetic aperture radar, is designed to monitor ballistic missile tests and intercept telemetry. Optoelectronic equipment is installed in the starboard windows, and the starboard wing and engine nacelles are painted black to prevent glare.
Google Earth satellite imagery shows a Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball reconnaissance aircraft, a Boeing E-3G Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft, and a Boeing KC-135R tanker at Kadena Air Base.
The RC-135S aircraft spends most of its time at the American air base Kadena, located on the Japanese island of Okinawa, and is primarily used to monitor Chinese and North Korean ballistic missile tests, as well as to track the fall of inert warheads of Russian ICBMs and SLBMs at the Kura test site in Kamchatka.
Currently, there are two RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft in service. They are designed to collect strategically important information on foreign air defense/missile defense systems and strategic weapons, which is then provided to the highest levels of US military and political leadership. The onboard hardware also enables radio interception and tracking of enemy ground, naval, and air force activity. The main external difference between this aircraft and the RC-135V/W aircraft is its shorter nose cone and the different arrangement of the transmitting and receiving antennas.
Google Earth satellite image of an RC-135U Combat Sent and a Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint at Offutt Air Force Base.
The basic flight characteristics of the RC-135U reconnaissance aircraft are similar to the RC-135S, and it is also powered by four CFM International F108-CF-201 high-bypass turbofan engines. Crew: two pilots, one navigator, two systems engineers, at least 10 electronic systems operators, and six or more intelligence officers. A total of three RC-135Us were built between 1964 and 1971, one of which was subsequently converted into the RC-135W. The RC-135Us in service have undergone numerous refurbishments and upgrades. Much of their avionics have been replaced several times, but their configuration and capabilities are not disclosed.
One RC-135U aircraft is assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and one to the 97th Reconnaissance Squadron, both based at Offutt Air Force Base, and these aircraft operate in various geographic locations. In the recent past, these reconnaissance aircraft have flown near Russian airspace. For example, on November 6, 2025, an RC-135U taking off from Mildenhall Air Force Base was in neutral airspace over the Black Sea, close to the coast of Crimea and the Krasnodar Krai. The RC-135U's previous flight in this area occurred two days earlier. The flight route took it over the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, after which the aircraft entered the Black Sea through Romanian airspace.
Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft
Another active American reconnaissance aircraft, introduced at the height of the Cold War over 60 years ago, is the U-2, developed and produced by Lockheed. A total of 104 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft were built between 1955 and 1989. For its time, this reconnaissance aircraft possessed outstanding performance, and its altitude was long out of reach of most fighters. However, its high altitude did not guarantee complete invulnerability, and in the 1960s, at least six U-2 reconnaissance aircraft were shot down by Soviet SA-75 Dvina anti-aircraft missiles in the airspace of China, the USSR, and Cuba.
Having suffered painful losses, the Americans began to more carefully plan their flight routes and avoid entering the range of air defense missile systems that could reach the U-2s. Although there were no further combat losses, another two dozen aircraft crashed in flight accidents. In addition to missions for the military and the CIA, the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft participated in a number of research programs. In particular, U-2 aircraft based at Moffett Air Force Field in California flew for the NASA Ames Research Center.
A Google Earth satellite image shows a NASA U-2, unusually painted white, parked among decommissioned aircraft at Moffett Air Force Field.
Currently, all high-altitude aircraft used in reconnaissance missions are of the U-2S Dragon Lady modification. With a maximum takeoff weight of 18,144 kg, the fuselage is 18,2 m long and has a wingspan of 31 m. A General Electric F118-101 turbofan engine with 76 kN of thrust provides a cruising speed of 765 km/h at an altitude of 20,000 m. The service ceiling is 24,000 m. The practical range is approximately 11,000 km. The payload weight exceeds 2000 kg. In addition to modern optoelectronic systems designed for aerial photography and capable of operating day and night, the reconnaissance equipment includes electronic reconnaissance equipment and an ASARS-2 synthetic aperture radar, which can detect and accurately locate both stationary and moving ground targets. Information obtained during reconnaissance missions is transmitted via a broadband communication channel to the ground station.
As of 2024, the U.S. Air Force possessed 27 Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft, 24 of which were airworthy. All operational high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft are currently assigned to the 9th Operations Group, 9th Reconnaissance Wing, a unit of the 16th Air Force, Air Combat Command, headquartered at Beale Air Force Base, California.
Google Earth satellite image of Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft at Beale Air Force Base
Beale Air Force Base is home to the 1st Joint Reconnaissance Squadron, which operates U-2S Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft, Northrop T-38A Talon trainers, and RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles. U-2S aircraft belonging to the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron are permanently based at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea.
Google Earth satellite image of a Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady and Boeing E-3G Sentry aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base.
The 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron consists of four flights stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus, and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Google Earth satellite image of Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft at Akrotiri Air Base
In the past, the US military leadership planned to abandon the Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft and replace them dronesHowever, due to the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV's significantly higher operating costs than the U-2S, and the UAV's inferior intelligence-gathering capabilities, the service life of the manned aircraft was extended. Lockheed Martin representatives have repeatedly stated that most of the existing U-2S aircraft have a very significant service life and could remain in active service until 2050.
Google Earth satellite image of Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft at the Lockheed Martin Palmdale airfield. The image was taken in April 2017.
To maintain their flight capability, the U-2S high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft undergo regular maintenance and upgrades at the Lockheed Martin plant in Palmdale, California.
Pilatus U-28A Draco reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft
The US Air Force currently operates 26 single-engine turboprop Pilatus U-28A Draco aircraft, a Special Operations Command-adapted version of the Swiss Pilatus PC-12 NG. The U-28A was originally designed to transport individual specialists, small special forces teams, CIA operatives, and compact cargo to airfields near covert operations areas.
Considering that the U-28A is relatively compact and has a maximum takeoff weight of 4761 kg, it has become quite suitable for supporting special events. The aircraft is equipped with one Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop engine producing 1200 hp. The maximum flight speed is 540 km/h. Cruising speed is 502 km/h. Stall speed is 124 km/h. Flight range with one passenger on board is 3530 km. Range with one pilot and 10 passengers is 2371 km. With a maximum load of 1024 kg, the flight range is 1206 km. The Pilatus has good takeoff and landing characteristics, the minimum runway length required for takeoff is 570 m. Landing roll is 450 m.
Google Earth satellite image of Pilatus U-28A Draco aircraft at Hurlburt Field. The image was taken in February 2023.
The satellite image shows that the U-28A is relatively small compared to other American reconnaissance aircraft. The "Draco" is only 14,4 meters long, with a wingspan of 16,23 meters.
The U-28A entered service with the US Air Force in 2006. The US military acquired a total of 28 light turboprop Pilatus passenger and transport aircraft. A significant number of these aircraft were subsequently converted into reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition aircraft.
Google Earth satellite image of Pilatus U-28A Draco aircraft and Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at Cannon Air Force Base. This image was taken in May 2023.
In Special Operations aviation, these aircraft have come to play the same role as the U-2 and RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft did for Tactical Air Command.
Depending on the reconnaissance configuration, the Draco can perform the following missions: electronic, radar, and infrared reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and target designation for cruise missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and attack aircraft. Two reconnaissance configurations are known to be installed on the U-28A:
The U-28A HB-FOB is equipped with the Sensor Management System (SMS), an optronic system developed by Northrop Grumman. The SMS system comprises three computing systems. The reconnaissance and surveillance equipment includes WF-160DS FLIR infrared night vision sensors, an optical camera with a 20mm to 280mm zoom lens, the RISTA (Reconnaissance, Infrared Surveillance, Target Acquisition) optronic system, and a laser designator.
- The U-28A HB-FOG is equipped with Northrop Grumman WF-160DS IR / EO sensors, the Raytheon Sea Vue SV 1021 radar, and the Delfin Systems radio intelligence system operating in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 2 GHz.
Both reconnaissance versions feature a real-time radio data transmission system with a range of up to 200 km. The reconnaissance aircraft are also equipped with a full suite of equipment, enabling night flights independent of external navigation support. The cost of the basic PC-12 NG aircraft in 2018 was $5 million. After installation of specialized equipment, the cost of the U-28A HB-FOB reconnaissance aircraft was $16 million. The U-28A HB-FOG and U-28A HB-FOB reconnaissance aircraft are visually distinguished by their screened windows, communications and radio antennas, additional pods in the lower fuselage, and a spherical optical-electronic system head.
Currently, U-28A aircraft are operated in various roles by two Air Force Special Operations Squadrons (the 319th and 34th) stationed at Herbert Field AFB, Florida, and by two Air Force Special Operations Squadrons (the 310th and 318th) at Cannon AFB, New Mexico.
U-28As have been spotted in hot spots around the world. Several times, these compact turboprop special-purpose aircraft have been captured on camera at airfields where they were officially not supposed to be. Two U-28A crashes are currently known. In February 2012, an aircraft belonging to No. 319 Squadron crashed under unclear circumstances in Djibouti. None of the four crew members on board survived. On March 15, 2017, a U-28A reconnaissance aircraft belonging to No. 318 Squadron crashed during a training flight near Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. Three crew members were killed.
UAV Northrop Grumman RQ-4В Global Hawk
Forty-two RQ-4B reconnaissance UAVs were built for the US Air Force. Currently, approximately 20 aircraft of this type (mostly the Block 40 variant) are operational. Maintenance and retrofitting of the UAVs was performed at a facility in Palmdale, California.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at the Palmdale plant. The image was taken in April 2017.
The unmanned aerial vehicle, with a curb weight of 14,628 kg, has an aluminum semi-monocoque structure with a V-shaped tail, and composite wings. The payload, exceeding 900 kg, can include an AESA radar for maritime and land surveillance, as well as various optoelectronic sensors. With a fuselage length of 14,5 m, the wingspan is 39,9 m. The Rolls-Royce F137-RR-100 turbofan engine, developing a maximum thrust of 34 kN, provides a maximum horizontal speed of 629 km/h. Cruising speed is 570 km/h. Service ceiling is 18,000 m. Practical range is approximately 22,000 m.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV and a Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft at Beale Air Force Base. The image was taken in May 2018.
The RQ-4B is capable of missions lasting more than 30 hours and can survey up to 100,000 km.2Cameras mounted onboard the UAV, flying at an altitude of 20,000 m, are capable of identifying an object on the ground as small as 30 cm in diameter. Images received from the radar and optical/infrared sensors are processed onboard the UAV and transmitted to the ground station as individual frames. The ground station assembles the images from these frames and prepares them for further use. Satellite links are used to communicate with the UAV at significant distances from the base. Within line-of-sight range or in the presence of repeaters, a direct data link is used. The UAV is controlled by an autonomous autopilot for most of its flight time. In areas with high flight density, autonomous navigation is disabled, and the RQ-4 is controlled remotely via a satellite link by operators on the ground.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
The majority of Global Hawk UAVs are operated by squadrons of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, headquartered at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The 348th Reconnaissance Squadron is also based there. The 12th Reconnaissance Squadron is based at Beale Air Force Base in California. The 7th Reconnaissance Squadron's UAVs are stationed at Sigonella Air Base in Italy.
Google Earth satellite imagery shows a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV, a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, and a Lockheed P-3C Orion aircraft at Sigonella Air Force Base.
The 4th Reconnaissance Squadron's RQ-4B Global Hawks are permanently stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, located on the Pacific island of Guam.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at Andersen Air Force Base.
The 380th Expeditionary Air Group, based at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE since 2002, operates several RQ-4B Global Hawks, which, along with U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft, carry out reconnaissance missions in the Middle East region.
A Google Earth satellite image shows a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV, a Boeing E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft, and a Lockheed C-130H Hercules military transport at Al Dhafra Air Base. The image was taken in July 2020.
Several Global Hawk drones are operated by the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, which is part of the 53rd Airlift Wing, which is responsible for combat training.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at Edwards Air Force Base.
However, as with other American reconnaissance aircraft, the RQ-4B Global Hawk's operational geography is not strictly limited to any specific areas. In 2025, such a drone was spotted at Misaawa Air Base in Japan.
Google Earth satellite image of a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at Misawa Air Base.
However, the future of the Global Hawk drones in the US Air Force is uncertain. It has been stated that due to high operating costs and reliability issues, they may be retired after 2028.
General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper reconnaissance and strike UAV
According to information published in 2025 by Air & Space Forces Magazine, the US Air Force operates 206 General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAVs in combat units, and the Air National Guard operates another 24 such aircraft.
The MQ-9A Reaper UAV is 11 meters long, has a 20-meter wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight of 4760 kg. Its 900-horsepower Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine with digital flyby controls provides a maximum level flight speed of 482 km/h (300 mph). Its cruising speed is 313 km/h (198 mph). Patrols are conducted at altitudes up to 7500 m (24,500 ft). The baseline UAV has an endurance of 27 hours. The Reaper ER version (38 units) has an endurance of up to 35 hours.
The MQ-9A's search and reconnaissance payload includes a Raytheon AN/AAS-52 multi-spectral optronic suite, coupled with a laser rangefinder and target designator, and a Lynx multi-function synthetic aperture radar.
There are 12 MQ-9A Reaper squadrons deployed in the continental United States, organized into three air wings (the 49th, 53rd, and 432nd), which are permanently stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico; Creech Air Force Base, Nevada; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota; and Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. To operate medium-class drones in the Air National Guard, 11 squadrons are deployed at the air bases of Niagara Falls and Hancock Field (New York), Battle Creek (Michigan), Horsham (Pennsylvania), Berry Field (Tennessee), Des Moines (Iowa), Ellington (Texas), March (California), Springfield-Beckley (Ohio), Ebbing (Arkansas).
Google Earth satellite image of a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAV and Boeing KC-135R tankers at March Air Force Base.
Special Operations Command has two squadrons located at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Google Earth satellite image of a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAV and a Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor at Cannon Air Force Base.
The MQ-9A UAV's primary control center is located at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, using satellite channels.
Google Earth satellite image: UAV over Creech airbase runway
However, takeoff and landing are carried out under the control of an operator at the home airfield.
Google Earth satellite image of a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAV skidding off the runway at Kadena Air Force Base.
Although the MQ-9A UAV has a shorter range, altitude, and endurance, its operating costs and cost are significantly lower than those of the larger RQ-4B Global Hawk. Consequently, turboprop-powered UAVs are used much more widely for reconnaissance and patrol missions.
Google Earth satellite image of a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAV and AV-8B Harrier II carrier-based vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at Sigonella Air Force Base.
MQ-9A Reapers are also part of the 380th Expeditionary Airlift Group, based at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and are reportedly flying heavily.
Google Earth satellite image of a General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper UAV at Al Dhafra Air Base.
Unlike the heavy reconnaissance and patrol unmanned aerial vehicle RQ-4B Global Hawk, the medium multi-role MQ-9A Reaper has successfully integrated into the US Air Force structure, is in high demand, and their procurement continues.
Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel reconnaissance UAV
The Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV entered service more than 15 years ago, but it remains classified. For this reason, UAVs operated by the US Air Force are stored in hangars immediately after flights and are not visible in satellite imagery available to the public. However, there are publicly available images of the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV at the Lockheed Martin plant in Palmdale, California. The first such image is dated October 2016.
Google Earth satellite image of a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel and Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV near the Lockheed Martin Palmdale plant.
The second image of the RQ-170 Sentinel UAV in Palmdale was taken on September 27, 2018.
Google Earth satellite image of a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel and Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV at Lockheed Martin's Palmdale facility.
The most recent image of the RQ-170 Sentinel dates back to August 2025. The photograph clearly shows that the drone almost exactly resembles the Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit long-range bomber.
Google Earth satellite image of a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV and a Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit bomber at Lockheed Martin's Palmdale facility.
The RQ-170 Sentinel UAV was designed for reconnaissance flights over hostile territory, so its developers sought to reduce its radar signature. This flying-wing aircraft features a dorsal air intake. It is approximately 4,5 meters long and has a wingspan of 19 meters. Various sources indicate that the RQ-170 Sentinel is powered by Garrett TFE731 or General Electric TF34 turbofan engines. Estimates indicate a maximum flight speed exceeding 800 km/h (15 mph). Its ceiling can reach 000 meters (6 ft), and its endurance is estimated at six hours.
The first unit equipped with the RQ-170 Sentinel was the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, followed by the 44th Reconnaissance Squadron, also stationed there. The 427th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base in California also operates these drones. According to unconfirmed reports, the number of RQ-170 Sentinels in operational squadrons could reach as many as 30.
In the past, stealth UAVs have been deployed in Afghanistan, the UAE, South Korea, and Guam. In 2011, one American stealth Drone crashed in Iran, after which, some time later, the Shahed 171 Simorgh and Shahed 191 Saegheh drones appeared in that country – externally very similar to the RQ-170 Sentinel.
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