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MQ-1 Predator vs MQ-8 Fire Scout

MQ-1 Predator vs MQ-8 Fire Scout at a glance — top speed 217 vs 230 km/h, range 1,250 vs 200 km, max takeoff weight 1,020 vs 1,450 kg, built 360 vs 40 units.

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
Specifications
MQ-1 Predator MQ-8 Fire Scout
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics Northrop Grumman
First flight 3 July 1994 1 January 2002
Year introduced 1995 2009
Number produced 360 units 40 units
Average unit price $4 million $18 million
Wingspan 14.8 m 9.8 m
Length 8.2 m 7.3 m
Maximum speed 217 km/h 230 km/h
Operational range 1,250 km 200 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 6,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg 1,450 kg
Empty weight 512 kg 940 kg
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

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.