Specifications
Speed & Endurance
Speed:
Endurance:
Range:
NightHawk QS3
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 135 ft³ of internal space for payload and cargo. 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 is currently TRL 8 as a manned aircraft and TRL 3 as a UAS.
Base Specifications
| Wingspan | 57’ 4” (17’ without outer wing panels) |
| Weight | Maximum gross weight – 4500 pounds, empty 2350 pounds |
| Height | 11’, 2” |
| Length | 29’ |
| Engine (primary) | SAFRAN SR305-260E, 260 HP |
| Engine (backup) | PBS TJ-100 turbojet, 300 pounds thrust, stored w/in fuselage tail cone |
| Fuels | JP-8, Jet A, Jet A-1 |
| Fuel Tanks | 118-gallon wing tank |
| Aux fuel tanks | Two 30-gallon externally mounted wing tanks |
| Speed | Maximum cruise 165 knots |
| Range | >3000 NM with two 30-gallon external wing tanks |
| Endurance | 25 hours loiter time (40+ hours w/external auxiliary tanks) |
| Ceiling | > 26,000′ MSL (expecting 30,000′) |
| Sensor Payload | 18 ft³ in primary sensor bay, plus four 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 | 4500 pounds (with operating limitations) |
| Internal fuel capacity | 250 gallons total (118-gallon wing tank, 132-gallon internal aux tank) |
| Range | 5000+ NM @ 130 knots |
| Endurance | >60 hours loiter time |
| Payload | >400 pounds with full load of fuel and 160 ft³ of concealed/internal space |
Manned ISR Configuration
| Crew | Up to three – pilot, copilot (and/or sensor operator) and sensor operator |
| Sensor bay | 18 ft³ primary sensor bay plus four locations throughout aircraft for concealed or enclosed equipment |
*Note – Specifications will vary by configuration, intended use, sensor options and mission parameters.