Aarok vs RQ-7 Shadow
The Aarok and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Turgis & Gaillard and AAI Corporation respectively. The Aarok reaches 463 km/h — 2.3x the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h. The Aarok has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The Aarok operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 5,400 kg MTOW, the Aarok is 32:1 the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. The Aarok has been produced in 1 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $7.5M for the Aarok vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 32 years before the Aarok (1991 vs 2023).
| French armed MALE drone, still in prototype stage. | |
| 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 |
| American reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 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 | 3.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok is faster with a maximum speed of 463 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 263 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,400 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok is longer at 14.0 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Aarok is more expensive at approximately $7.5 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Aarok or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 1 units of the Aarok.