Long Endurance ISR Platform with Low Acoustic and Low Thermal Signatures
The NightHawk is a long endurance ISR platform with low acoustic and low thermal signatures, that is capable of manned and unmanned operations. Its advanced aerodynamic design, high efficiency turbo-diesel engine and carbon fiber construction enable a range of up to 5000 NM at cruise or approximately 60 hours of endurance while loitering, with a payload of 500 pounds operating as a UAV. The NightHawk also provides over 150ft3 of internal space for payload. Designed to be rapidly deployable via a C-17, its outer wing panels can be removed in less than 30 minutes by two individuals. There are two (2) hardpoints, designed to carry 450-pound loads on the wings which can be used to carry external sensors and/or auxiliary fuel. The NightHawk current TRL is 6.
Base Specifications
Wingspan
30′ (9.1m); Wingspan – 57’ (17.4 m); 17’ (5.2 m) without outer wing panels
Nine locations throughout aircraft for concealed or enclosed equipment
Aux fuel tanks
Up to three: pilot + 2 (copilot, other) seated in tandem
Speed
ISR platform – pilot, copilot/sensor operator and second sensor operator – space for two Wescam MX-15 gimbals (IR/Vis/etc.). Utility platform – 1 crew and space for 3 or 4 pax / 1000 pounds (454 kg) of cargo, ~110 ft3
Range
Long-line INsertion and EXtraction (LINEX) winch system for lowering and raising personnel and cargo in circling flight, up to 450lbs. / operation
Endurance
30 hours loiter time (45+ hours w/ external auxiliary tanks)
Ceiling
> 25,000′
Sensor Payload
18 ft3 in primary sensor bay, plus nine locations throughout aircraft for concealed or enclosed equipment
Cabin Configuration
Manned ISR configuration – three stations: pilot, copilot/sensor operator and additional sensor operator/crew. Utility configuration – 1 crew & space for 4 pax or 1000 pounds of cargo (~110 ft3)
UAV Configuration
MTOW
4250 pounds
Internal aux fuel capacity
90 gallons
Range
5000+ NM @ 130 knots
Endurance
~ 60 hours loiter time
Payload
500 pounds with full load of fuel and 150 ft3 of concealed/internal space
Manned ISR Configuration
Crew
Up to three – pilot, copilot (and/or sensor operator) and sensor operator
Sensor bay
Designed to carry two WESCAM MX-15 gimbals (IR/Vis/etc.) or equivalent equipment
Additional sensor locations
Nine locations throughout aircraft for concealed or enclosed equipment
*Note – Specifications will vary by configuration, intended use, sensor options and mission parameters.More information on specifications can be found here
