Specifications
Speed & Endurance
Max Cruise:
Quiet Mode:
Max Fuel:
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 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 | 57’ (17’ without outer wing panels) |
| Weight | Maximum gross weight – 3800 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, A1 |
| Fuel Tanks | 118-gallon wing tank |
| Aux fuel tanks | Two 30-gallon externally mounted wing tanks |
| Speed | Maximum cruise 150+ knots |
| Range | 3000 NM at 130 knots cruise |
| 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.