Here’s The Best Military Drones From Around The World

Northrop Grumann Firebird

There are certain UAV that are referred to as hybrids. This is one of them. The Northrop Grumann Firebird can be flown by a pilot, autonomously or remotely – making it an OPV (Optionally Piloted Vehicle). It’s predominant capability is its versatility.

Obviously the manner of piloting the aircraft is quite versatile – but its payload configuration, line-of-sight or beyond-line-of-sight operations and surveillance/reconnaissance give it next-level versatility. The Firebirds first flight was in 2010. It’s 34.5 feet long with a huge 74-foot wingspan. It has a 45-cubic foot internal weapons bay and can take off with more than 7,000 pounds to its name. Maximum flight time is over a full day! It can remain in flight for nearly 30 hours. Woah.

Northrop Grumann Firebird: $20 million per unit