Hermes 900 vs RQ-7 Shadow
The Hermes 900 and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and AAI Corporation respectively. Top speed is 220 km/h for the Hermes 900 vs 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow. The Hermes 900 has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The Hermes 900 operates at altitudes up to 9,100 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 1,400 kg MTOW, the Hermes 900 is 8.2x the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. The Hermes 900 has been produced in 200 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $6.8M for the Hermes 900 vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 18 years before the Hermes 900 (1991 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 reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 million |
| Wingspan | 15.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 8.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 9,100 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,400 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 950 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 160 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 3.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 109 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 is faster with a maximum speed of 220 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 20 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 has a higher service ceiling at 9,100 meters (29,855 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,400 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 is longer at 8.3 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 900 is more expensive at approximately $6.8 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 10 years before the Hermes 900 which entered service in 2012.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Hermes 900 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 200 units of the Hermes 900.