RQ-4 questions.

[merlin]

Has anyone been able to monitor data or comms from a global hawk ?
I have been tracking one out of Jacsonville Fl., across southern US and now orbiting south the channel islands off southern Cal.
Don't know if it is whale watching or maybe submarine races.

 

[chief21]

I've never knowingly monitored a military drone, but I imagine that they would need to communicate with ATC just the same as manned military aircraft. Have you checked the UHF frequencies as well as VHF?

 

[AirScan]

I imagine that they would need to communicate with ATC just the same as manned military aircraft

Correct. Here is Los Angeles Center working Navy PE537 just prior to their initial descent into Point Mugu. Controller only as UHF is not covered.

LiveATC Audio

Not sure what tactical frequencies they typically use ?

 

[andy51edge]

I also assume the data links are encrypted. I would be very surprised if you could monitor it like ADS-B

 

[merlin]

I also assume the data links are encrypted. I would be very surprised if you could monitor it like ADS-B

Not all data is encrypted. Just after my first post, this track deceded from FL510 to 2600 feet then eventually set down at point Mugu NAS,
so, this was some navy ops, possibly encrypted. Yes, they use center ATC on standard VHF (domestically).
I know little about air force, navy, drones, but do know department of interrior and how the blocks are configured.
Mostly forestry during fire season.
Some blocks are for TAC comms relays like SAR downed pilot, troops in Afghanistan etc. block 40 is like the armed grim reapers.
NASA has their own group of blocks like for atmosphere, solar, sea observation.

 

[merlin]

what tactical frequencies they typically use

Might be the typical 200/300 satellite.