Heron vs MQ-9 Reaper

Overview

The Heron and the MQ-9 Reaper are both Military Drones, manufactured by IAI and General Atomics respectively.

Top speed is 207 km/h for the Heron vs 300 km/h for the MQ-9 Reaper. The Heron has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 1,850 km for the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 10,000 m for the Heron. At 4,760 kg MTOW, the MQ-9 Reaper is 3.7x the Heron's 1,270 kg.

Unit cost is $9.5M for the Heron vs $30M for the MQ-9 Reaper. The Heron first flew 7 years before the MQ-9 Reaper (1994 vs 2001).

Israeli MALE unmanned aerial vehicle, utilized globally since 1994 for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions.
IAI Heron UAV profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer IAI
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 2005
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $9.5 million
American unmanned aerial vehicle, notable for extensive use in Middle East conflicts since the 21st century.
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper UAV profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $30 million
Wingspan 16.6 m
Length 8.5 m
Maximum speed 207 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km
Service ceiling 10,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,270 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Wingspan 20.0 m
Length 11.0 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Operational range 1,850 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,760 kg
Empty weight 2,223 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the Heron's 207 km/h, a difference of 93 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the Heron's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Heron's 10,000 meters (32,808 ft).
Which is heavier, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,760 kg compared to the Heron's 1,270 kg.
Which is larger, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the Heron's 8.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the Heron at $9.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Heron or MQ-9 Reaper?
The Heron entered service first in 2005, 2 years before the MQ-9 Reaper which entered service in 2007.