MQ-1 Predator vs MQ-8 Fire Scout

American unmanned aerial vehicle, operational since 1995, notable for its use in major conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 3 July 1994
Year introduced 1995
Number produced 360 units
Average unit price $4 million
US unmanned helicopter drone, utilized predominantly in reconnaissance and target acquisition in Afghanistan and Libya war zones.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 2002
Year introduced 2009
Number produced 40 units
Average unit price $18 million
Wingspan 14.8 m â—‰
Length 8.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 217 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,250 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg â—‰
Empty weight 512 kg
Profile drawing of General Atomics MQ-1 Predator
Wingspan 9.8 m â—‰
Length 7.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 230 km/h â—‰
Operational range 200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,100 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Profile drawing of Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h, a difference of 13 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 200 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 6,100 meters (20,013 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 7.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the MQ-1 Predator at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 14 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in greater numbers with 360 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.