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Hermes 450 vs RQ-20 Puma

Elbit Hermes 450 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 Hermes 450
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Specifications
Hermes 450 RQ-20 Puma
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Elbit AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 1994 1 January 2007
Year introduced 1998 2008
Number produced N/A 1000 units
Average unit price $2 million $250K
Wingspan 10.5 m 2.8 m
Length 6.1 m 1.4 m
Maximum speed 176 km/h 83 km/h
Operational range 300 km 15 km
Service ceiling 5,500 m 3,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 550 kg 6 kg
Empty weight 450 kg 6 kg
Total thrust 1 x 39 kW 0
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Hermes 450 and the RQ-20 Puma are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and AeroVironment respectively.

The Hermes 450 reaches 176 km/h — 2.1x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The Hermes 450 has an operational range of 300 km vs 15 km for the RQ-20 Puma. The Hermes 450 operates at altitudes up to 5,500 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 550 kg MTOW, the Hermes 450 is 92:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.

Unit cost is $2M for the Hermes 450 vs $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma. The Hermes 450 first flew 13 years before the RQ-20 Puma (1994 vs 2007).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 is faster with a maximum speed of 176 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 93 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 has a longer range at 300 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 has a higher service ceiling at 5,500 meters (18,044 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 550 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 is longer at 6.1 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 450 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 450 entered service first in 1998, 10 years before the RQ-20 Puma which entered service in 2008.