Hermes 900 vs Watchkeeper WK450

Overview

The Hermes 900 and the Watchkeeper WK450 are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and Thales UK respectively.

Top speed is 220 km/h for the Hermes 900 vs 143 km/h for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 900 has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 150 km for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 900 operates at altitudes up to 9,100 m compared to 4,900 m for the Watchkeeper WK450. At 1,400 kg MTOW, the Hermes 900 is 2.9x the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.

The Hermes 900 has been produced in 200 units vs 54 for the Watchkeeper WK450. Unit cost is $6.8M for the Hermes 900 vs $25M for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 900 first flew 1 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 (2009 vs 2010).

Hermes 900

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
→ View full Hermes 900 details

Watchkeeper WK450

British unmanned aerial vehicle for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance, developed in the early 21st century and used for battlefield intelligence and border patrol.
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Thales UK
First flight 14 April 2010
Year introduced 2019
Number produced 54 units
Average unit price $25 million
→ View full Watchkeeper WK450 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 ◉

Watchkeeper WK450

Wingspan 10.9 m ◉
Length 6.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 143 km/h ◉
Operational range 150 km ◉
Service ceiling 4,900 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 485 kg ◉
Empty weight 300 kg ◉
Total thrust 0 ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 is faster with a maximum speed of 220 km/h compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h, a difference of 77 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 150 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 has a higher service ceiling at 9,100 meters (29,855 ft) compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 4,900 meters (16,076 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,400 kg compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 is longer at 8.3 meters compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 6.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the Hermes 900 at $6.8 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 entered service first in 2012, 7 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Hermes 900 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 900 has been produced in greater numbers with 200 units compared to 54 units of the Watchkeeper WK450.

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