An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

100th Anniversary Logo with the 100 in large letters and the museum logo
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
FREE Admission & Parking

Lockheed-Martin RQ-3 DarkStar

The RQ-3 DarkStar was a highly-advanced, stealthy reconnaissance remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) designed for use in high-threat environments. Though it never entered production, the DarkStar was an important milestone in the development of even more capable RPAs which followed.

Designed to be fully autonomous, the DarkStar could take off, fly to the target area, operate its sensors, transmit its sensor imagery, return to base and land without human intervention. Using satellite digital links to transmit sensor images, DarkStar could provide timely information across the globe. If needed, ground station operators could control the RPA from anywhere in the world using satellite links.

The DarkStar on display is the second of four built. The first DarkStar flew in 1996 but crashed on its second flight. The museum’s RQ-3 was modified to increase stability and flew in 1998. In January 1999, the Department of Defense ended the program because of cost and aerodynamic stability problems.

The museum received this DarkStar, the only surviving one to have flown, in December 1999.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: One Williams-Rolls FJ44-1A with a takeoff thrust of 1,900 lbs.
Cruising speed: About 288 mph
Range: About 575 miles
Endurance: About 8 hours
Service ceiling: 45,000 feet
Weight: 8,500 lbs.

Click here to return to the Research & Development Gallery.

Find Out More
Line
Related Fact Sheets
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
Line