FQ-42 Dark Merlin vs Geran-2

Overview

The FQ-42 Dark Merlin and the Geran-2 are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and IEMZ Kupol respectively.

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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 27 August 2025
Year introduced --
Number produced N/A
Average unit price --
Russian-produced version of the Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drone, built at the Alabuga (Yelabuga) plant and used at scale against Ukraine since 2022.
Origin country πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer IEMZ Kupol
First flight --
Year introduced 2022
Number produced 26000 units
Average unit price $30K
Wingspan -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range -- km
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Wingspan 2.5 m
Length 3.5 m
Maximum speed 185 km/h
Operational range 2,500 km
Max. takeoff weight 240 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Geran-2?
The Geran-2 is faster with a maximum speed of 185 km/h compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km/h, a difference of 185 km/h.
Which has longer range, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Geran-2?
The Geran-2 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Geran-2?
The Geran-2 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 240 kg compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Geran-2?
The Geran-2 is longer at 3.5 meters compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0.0 meters.