Bayraktar Kızılelma vs FQ-42 Dark Merlin
Overview
The Bayraktar Kızılelma and the FQ-42 Dark Merlin are both Military Drones, manufactured by Baykar and General Atomics respectively.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma first flew 3 years before the FQ-42 Dark Merlin (2022 vs 2025).
| Turkish jet-powered stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle, developed in the early 2020s for carrier-capable and autonomous multirole operations. | |
| Origin country | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Baykar |
| First flight | 14 December 2022 |
| Year introduced | 2025 |
| Number produced | 7 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| American jet-powered collaborative combat aircraft developed by General Atomics, selected by the U.S. Air Force to fly air-to-air missions alongside crewed fighters under the CCA program. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics |
| First flight | 27 August 2025 |
| Year introduced | -- |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wingspan | 10.0 m |
| Height | 3.5 m |
| Length | 14.5 m |
| Maximum speed | 1100 km/h |
| Operational range | 930 km |
| Service ceiling | 14,000 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8,500 kg |
| Empty weight | 4,201 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 16 kN ◉ |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | -- km/h |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Bayraktar Kızılelma or FQ-42 Dark Merlin?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma is faster with a maximum speed of 1,100 km/h compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km/h, a difference of 1,100 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Bayraktar Kızılelma or FQ-42 Dark Merlin?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma has a longer range at 930 km compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the Bayraktar Kızılelma or FQ-42 Dark Merlin?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma has a higher service ceiling at 14,000 meters (45,931 ft) compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Bayraktar Kızılelma or FQ-42 Dark Merlin?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,500 kg compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the Bayraktar Kızılelma or FQ-42 Dark Merlin?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0.0 meters.