Hermes 900 vs RQ-20 Puma
The Hermes 900 and the RQ-20 Puma are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and AeroVironment respectively. The Hermes 900 reaches 220 km/h — 2.7x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The Hermes 900 has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 15 km for the RQ-20 Puma. The Hermes 900 operates at altitudes up to 9,100 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 1,400 kg MTOW, the Hermes 900 is 233:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg. The Hermes 900 has been produced in 200 units vs 1,000 for the RQ-20 Puma. Unit cost is $6.8M for the Hermes 900 vs $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma. The RQ-20 Puma first flew 2 years before the Hermes 900 (2007 vs 2009).
| Israeli larger MALE drone, widely used around the world for reconnaissance. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Elbit |
| First flight | 9 December 2009 |
| Year introduced | 2012 |
| Number produced | 200 units |
| Average unit price | $6.8 million |
| American battery-powered, small hand-launched unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and intelligence gathering. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2007 |
| Year introduced | 2008 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $0.3 million |
| Wingspan | 15.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,100 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,400 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 950 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 160 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 2.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 83 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 15 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 3,200 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 is faster with a maximum speed of 220 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 137 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 has a higher service ceiling at 9,100 meters (29,855 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,400 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 is longer at 8.3 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The Hermes 900 is more expensive at approximately $6.8 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The RQ-20 Puma entered service first in 2008, 4 years before the Hermes 900 which entered service in 2012.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Hermes 900 or RQ-20 Puma?
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 200 units of the Hermes 900.