Aarok vs Heron
The Aarok and the Heron are both Military Drones, manufactured by Turgis & Gaillard and IAI respectively. The Aarok reaches 463 km/h — 2.2x the Heron's 207 km/h. The Aarok has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 1,000 km for the Heron. The Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 9,000 m for the Aarok. At 5,400 kg MTOW, the Aarok is 4.3x the Heron's 1,270 kg. Unit cost is $7.5M for the Aarok vs $9.5M for the Heron. The Heron first flew 29 years before the Aarok (1994 vs 2023).
| French armed MALE drone, still in prototype stage. | |
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| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Turgis & Gaillard |
| First flight | 1 January 2023 |
| Year introduced | -- |
| Number produced | 1 units |
| Average unit price | $7.5 million |
| Israeli MALE unmanned aerial vehicle, utilized globally since 1994 for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | IAI |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $9.5 million |
| Wingspan | 22.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 14.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 463 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 5,400 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2,500 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 560 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 16.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 10,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,270 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Aarok or Heron?
The Aarok is faster with a maximum speed of 463 km/h compared to the Heron's 207 km/h, a difference of 256 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Aarok or Heron?
The Aarok has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Heron's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the Aarok or Heron?
The Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the Aarok's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the Aarok or Heron?
The Aarok has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,400 kg compared to the Heron's 1,270 kg.
Which is larger, the Aarok or Heron?
The Aarok is longer at 14.0 meters compared to the Heron's 8.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Aarok or Heron?
The Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the Aarok at $7.5 million.