Geran-2 vs RQ-4 Global Hawk
Overview
The Geran-2 and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by IEMZ Kupol and Northrop Grumman respectively.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 3.4x the Geran-2's 185 km/h. The Geran-2 has an operational range of 2,500 km vs 22,800 km for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 61:1 the Geran-2's 240 kg.
The Geran-2 has been produced in 26,000 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $0.03M for the Geran-2 vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk.
| 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 | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | IEMZ Kupol |
| First flight | -- |
| Year introduced | 2022 |
| Number produced | 26000 units |
| Average unit price | $30K |
| American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 28 February 1998 |
| Year introduced | 2001 |
| Number produced | 40 units |
| Average unit price | $131 million |
| Wingspan | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 240 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 14.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 629 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 22,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,628 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,620 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
Loading analysis...
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Geran-2's 185 km/h, a difference of 444 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Geran-2's 2,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Geran-2's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Geran-2's 240 kg.
Which is larger, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Geran-2's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the Geran-2 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 21 years before the Geran-2 which entered service in 2022.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Geran-2 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The Geran-2 has been produced in greater numbers with 26,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.