MQ-1 Predator vs RQ-11 Raven
The MQ-1 Predator and the RQ-11 Raven are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and AeroVironment respectively. The MQ-1 Predator reaches 217 km/h — 2.3x the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The MQ-1 Predator has an operational range of 1,250 km vs 10 km for the RQ-11 Raven. The MQ-1 Predator operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 1,020 kg MTOW, the MQ-1 Predator is 510:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg. The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in 360 units vs 19,000 for the RQ-11 Raven. Unit cost is $4M for the MQ-1 Predator vs $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 6 years before the RQ-11 Raven (1994 vs 2000).
| 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 |
| 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 | $0.2 million |
| Wingspan | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.2 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 217 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,250 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,020 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 512 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 MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 122 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,020 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 8 years before the RQ-11 Raven which entered service in 2003.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 19,000 units compared to 360 units of the MQ-1 Predator.