UAV · Tactical UAV
RQ-5 Hunter
Northrop Grumman / IAI · USA
The RQ-5 Hunter (MQ-5/BQM-155) is a tactical UAV developed jointly by IAI and TRW/Northrop Grumman for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, using twin heavy-fuel engines in a push-pull configuration.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Tactical UAV |
| Role | Tactical ISR / target acquisition |
| Class | Group 3/4 |
| Classification | Tactical UAS |
| Mission | reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment |
| Datalink | Line-of-sight C-band data link |
| Variants | RQ-5A; MQ-5B Hunter; MQ-5C |
| MTOW (kg) | 727 |
| Operators | US Army (former); Belgium; France |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 6.9 |
| Propulsion | Two Moto Guzzi heavy-fuel engines (push-pull) |
| Range (km) | 267 |
| Wingspan (m) | 8.9 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Limited export |
| Launch method | runway takeoff, rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) |
| Autonomy level | Semi-autonomous / waypoint |
| Endurance (min) | 720 |
| Recovery method | runway landing, arresting net |
| Year introduced | 1996 |
| Max payload (kg) | 90 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 204 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR payload |
| Production status | Retired/legacy |
| Combat radius (km) | 200 |
| Notable engagements | Hunter family deployed in Kosovo and Iraq ISR |
| Service ceiling (m) | 4600 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop), Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – heavy fuel |
| Range / endurance | Medium range (150–650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – large, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – MALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.northropgrumman.com