FQ-42 Dark Merlin vs Switchblade 300
Overview
The FQ-42 Dark Merlin and the Switchblade 300 are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and AeroVironment respectively.
The Switchblade 300 first flew 14 years before the FQ-42 Dark Merlin (2011 vs 2025).
| 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 | -- |
| American man-portable loitering munition, introduced in the early 2010s, used for precision strikes against personnel and light vehicles in various global conflicts. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2011 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | 4000 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | -- km/h |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Length | 0.5 m |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h |
| Operational range | 10 km |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg |
| Empty weight | 2.5 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 is faster with a maximum speed of 160 km/h compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km/h, a difference of 160 km/h.
Which has longer range, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 has a longer range at 10 km compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6 kg compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the FQ-42 Dark Merlin or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 is longer at 0.5 meters compared to the FQ-42 Dark Merlin's 0.0 meters.