Heron vs RQ-20 Puma
The Heron and the RQ-20 Puma are both Military Drones, manufactured by IAI and AeroVironment respectively. The Heron reaches 207 km/h — 2.5x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The Heron has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 15 km for the RQ-20 Puma. The Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 1,270 kg MTOW, the Heron is 212:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg. Unit cost is $9.5M for the Heron vs $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma. The Heron first flew 13 years before the RQ-20 Puma (1994 vs 2007).
| 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 battery-powered, small hand-launched unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and intelligence gathering. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2007 |
| Year introduced | 2008 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $250K |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 2.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 83 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 15 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 3,200 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron is faster with a maximum speed of 207 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 124 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,270 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the Heron or RQ-20 Puma?
The Heron entered service first in 2005, 3 years before the RQ-20 Puma which entered service in 2008.