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IAI Heron vs MQ-1 Predator

IAI Heron military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 IAI Heron
General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
Change comparison vs
Specifications
IAI Heron MQ-1 Predator
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer IAI General Atomics
First flight 1 January 1994 3 July 1994
Year introduced 2005 1995
Number produced N/A 360 units
Average unit price $9.5 million $4 million
Wingspan 16.6 m 14.8 m
Length 8.5 m 8.2 m
Maximum speed 207 km/h 217 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km 1,250 km
Service ceiling 10,000 m 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,270 kg 1,020 kg
Empty weight -- kg 512 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The IAI Heron and the MQ-1 Predator are both Military Drones, manufactured by IAI and General Atomics respectively.

Top speed is 207 km/h for the IAI Heron vs 217 km/h for the MQ-1 Predator. The IAI Heron has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 1,250 km for the MQ-1 Predator. The IAI Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the MQ-1 Predator.

Unit cost is $9.5M for the IAI Heron vs $4M for the MQ-1 Predator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the IAI Heron's 207 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the IAI Heron's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The IAI Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The IAI Heron has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,270 kg compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Which is larger, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The IAI Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 8.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The IAI Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the MQ-1 Predator at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the IAI Heron or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 10 years before the IAI Heron which entered service in 2005.