Hermes 900 vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Overview

The Hermes 900 and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and Northrop Grumman respectively.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 2.9x the Hermes 900's 220 km/h. The Hermes 900 has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 22,800 km for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 9,100 m for the Hermes 900. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 10:1 the Hermes 900's 1,400 kg.

The Hermes 900 has been produced in 200 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $6.8M for the Hermes 900 vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 11 years before the Hermes 900 (1998 vs 2009).

Hermes 900

Israeli larger MALE drone, widely used around the world for reconnaissance.
Elbit Hermes 900 UAV profile drawing
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
→ View full Hermes 900 details

RQ-4 Global Hawk

American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV profile drawing
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
→ View full RQ-4 Global Hawk details

Hermes 900

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 ◉

RQ-4 Global Hawk

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 ◉
Total thrust 0 ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Hermes 900's 220 km/h, a difference of 409 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Hermes 900's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 900 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 Hermes 900's 9,100 meters (29,855 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Hermes 900's 1,400 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Hermes 900's 8.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the Hermes 900 at $6.8 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 11 years before the Hermes 900 which entered service in 2012.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Hermes 900 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The Hermes 900 has been produced in greater numbers with 200 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

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