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Northrop EQ-4B BACN Communications Relay Variant

The EQ-4B was a Global Hawk Block 20 configuration carrying the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node payload. Converted from RQ-4 aircraft, it served as a high-altitude, long-endurance communications relay and gateway, translating and extending links between deployed air, ground, and maritime forces before the Air Force divested the EQ-4B fleet and consolidated BACN operations on E-11A aircraft.

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Identity

Aliases
EQ-4BEQ-4Global Hawk BACNBACN Global Hawk
Family Name
EQ-4B BACN
Full Name
Northrop EQ-4B BACN Communications Relay Variant
Roles
militarycommunicationsreconnaissance
Status
retired
Type
aircraft

Details

Aircraft Specs
Configuration
fixed_wing
Crew Capacity
3
Cruise Speed
…
Empty Mass
…
Endurance Hours
34
Max Payload Mass
…
Max Takeoff Mass
…
Operating Modes
land
Range
…
Service Ceiling
…
Takeoff Landing Capabilities
conventional
Description
The EQ-4B was a Global Hawk Block 20 configuration carrying the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node payload. Converted from RQ-4 aircraft, it served as a high-altitude, long-endurance communications relay and gateway, translating and extending links between deployed air, ground, and maritime forces before the Air Force divested the EQ-4B fleet and consolidated BACN operations on E-11A aircraft.
Dimensions
Height
…
Length
…
Wingspan
…
Parent Vehicle Family

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Creation Time
August 14, 2026 at 04:03:15 UTC
Updated Time
August 14, 2026 at 04:03:15 UTC