Heron vs RQ-11 Raven
The Heron and the RQ-11 Raven are both Military Drones, manufactured by IAI and AeroVironment respectively. The Heron reaches 207 km/h — 2.2x the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The Heron has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 10 km for the RQ-11 Raven. The Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 1,270 kg MTOW, the Heron is 635:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg. Unit cost is $9.5M for the Heron vs $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven. The Heron first flew 6 years before the RQ-11 Raven (1994 vs 2000).
| Israeli MALE unmanned aerial vehicle, utilized globally since 1994 for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions. | |
| 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, renowned for extensive service since 1990s, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2003 |
| Number produced | 19000 units |
| Average unit price | $170K |
| 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 | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 0.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1.9 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron is faster with a maximum speed of 207 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 112 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,270 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the Heron or RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven entered service first in 2003, 2 years before the Heron which entered service in 2005.