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美將以RQ-4為基礎打造「靶場鷹」。（圖片為RQ-4取自DVIDS網站）

諾格獲3.25億美元合約　改裝RQ-4投入極音速測試

Northrop Grumman Awarded $325 Million Contract to Modify RQ-4 for Hypersonic Testing

美國陸軍近日授予諾斯洛普格魯曼集團（Northrop Grumman）一份價值3.255億美元（約新臺幣102.77億元）合約，將以RQ-4「全球鷹」（Global Hawk）高空長航時無人機為基礎，打造新型「靶場鷹」（RangeHawk）無人機，用於支援極音速武器測試與追蹤任務。
The US Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5 million contract to develop the new “RangeHawk” drone based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude long-endurance UAV for hypersonic weapon testing and tracking missions.

美軍希望藉由「靶場鷹」長時間滯空與高酬載特性，提升極音速武器研發過程中的數據蒐集與測試效率。
The military aims to leverage the RangeHawk’s long endurance and high payload capacity to improve data collection and testing efficiency during hypersonic weapon development.

極音速武器飛行距離遠　傳統觀測方式受限

Long-Range Hypersonic Tests Exceed Traditional Tracking Capabilities

報導指出，美軍目前正同步推動多項極音速武器研發計畫，但相關武器飛行距離往往長達數百公里，已超出地面或艦載觀測系統的有效監控範圍。
Reports indicate that the US military is simultaneously advancing multiple hypersonic weapon programs, but their long-range flight profiles often exceed the monitoring capabilities of land- and sea-based observation systems.

若使用有人機執行追蹤任務，則會面臨成本高昂、風險增加以及滯空時間不足等問題。
Using manned aircraft for tracking missions presents challenges including high operational costs, increased risks, and limited endurance.

因此，美軍決定發展專用無人觀測平台，以長時間伴隨極音速武器飛行路徑，持續蒐集飛行參數與測試數據。
As a result, the US military decided to develop a dedicated unmanned observation platform capable of remaining near hypersonic flight paths for extended periods while collecting telemetry and test data.

「全球鷹」高空長航時性能成關鍵

Global Hawk’s High-Altitude Endurance Makes It Ideal Platform

RQ-4「全球鷹」具備優異高空長航時能力，可攜帶約1360公斤酬載，最高升限達1萬8288公尺，航程超過2.2萬公里，最長可滯空34小時。
The RQ-4 Global Hawk offers exceptional high-altitude endurance, carrying payloads of approximately 1,360 kilograms, flying up to 18,288 meters in altitude, covering more than 22,000 kilometers, and remaining airborne for up to 34 hours.

這些性能被認為相當適合執行極音速武器測試監控任務，也是美軍選定其作為「靶場鷹」基礎平台的主因。
These characteristics make it highly suitable for hypersonic weapon monitoring missions and were key reasons behind its selection as the RangeHawk platform.

未來「靶場鷹」將加裝遙測系統、相位陣列雷達、光電與紅外線感測器，以及專屬任務系統，以提升對高速目標的追蹤能力。
Future RangeHawk drones will be equipped with telemetry systems, phased-array radars, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and dedicated mission systems to enhance tracking of high-speed targets.

模組化酬載設計　提升測試彈性

Modular Payload Design Enhances Mission Flexibility

報導指出，「靶場鷹」未來將採用模組化酬載架構，可依據不同測試需求快速更換感測器與任務設備。
Reports state that the RangeHawk will feature a modular payload architecture, allowing rapid swapping of sensors and mission equipment depending on test requirements.

此舉有助於同時支援不同型號極音速武器測試，包括陸軍「暗鷹」（Dark Eagle）以及海空軍其他高超音速計畫。
This approach could support various hypersonic programs, including the Army’s Dark Eagle and other Navy and Air Force hypersonic initiatives.

分析認為，隨著美中俄競逐極音速武器技術，美軍正同步強化測試、監控與數據分析能力，以縮短武器成熟時間並提升研發效率。
Analysts believe that as the US, China, and Russia intensify competition in hypersonic technologies, the US military is also strengthening testing, monitoring, and data analysis capabilities to accelerate weapon development timelines.