MQ-1 Predator vs MQ-8 Fire Scout

Overview

The MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-8 Fire Scout are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 217 km/h for the MQ-1 Predator vs 230 km/h for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The MQ-1 Predator has an operational range of 1,250 km vs 200 km for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The MQ-1 Predator operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 6,100 m for the MQ-8 Fire Scout.

The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in 360 units vs 40 for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Unit cost is $4M for the MQ-1 Predator vs $18M for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 8 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout (1994 vs 2002).

American unmanned aerial vehicle, operational since 1995, notable for its use in major conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAV profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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.
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout UAV profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 β—‰
Length 8.2 m β—‰
Maximum speed 217 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,250 km β—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg β—‰
Empty weight 512 kg β—‰
Wingspan 9.8 m β—‰
Length 7.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 230 km/h β—‰
Operational range 200 km β—‰
Service ceiling 6,100 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg β—‰
Empty weight 940 kg β—‰

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.