The Northrop Grumman MQ-5B Hunter is an upgraded armed variant of the RQ-5A Hunter tactical UAV (originally co-developed with IAI). Twin-boom with heavy-fuel engines; can carry Viper Strike munitions.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Tactical reconnaissance/armed UAV |
| Role | Tactical armed ISR |
| Classification | Tactical UAV (armed) |
| Mission | ISR, reconnaissance, target acquisition, strike |
| Datalink | C-band LOS |
| Variants | RQ-5A Hunter; MQ-5B Hunter |
| MTOW (kg) | 885 |
| Operators | US Army |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 6.9 |
| Propulsion | Two Mercedes heavy-fuel piston engines (push-pull) |
| Range (km) | 260 |
| Wingspan (m) | 10.44 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Limited |
| Launch method | runway takeoff, JATO (RQ-5A) |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted |
| Endurance (min) | 1260 |
| Recovery method | runway landing, arrestor |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Max payload (kg) | 90 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 204 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR, laser designator |
| Production status | Retired/limited |
| Notable engagements | First US UAV to drop a precision munition (Viper Strike) in combat (Iraq, 2007) |
| Service ceiling (m) | 4600 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – VLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – heavy fuel |
| Range / endurance | Medium range (150–650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – large |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |