MQ-1 Predator vs RQ-20 Puma
The MQ-1 Predator and the RQ-20 Puma are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and AeroVironment respectively. The MQ-1 Predator reaches 217 km/h — 2.6x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The MQ-1 Predator has an operational range of 1,250 km vs 15 km for the RQ-20 Puma. The MQ-1 Predator operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 1,020 kg MTOW, the MQ-1 Predator is 170:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg. The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in 360 units vs 1,000 for the RQ-20 Puma. Unit cost is $4M for the MQ-1 Predator vs $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 13 years before the RQ-20 Puma (1994 vs 2007).
| 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 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 | $0.3 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 | 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 ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 134 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,020 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 13 years before the RQ-20 Puma which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-20 Puma?
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 360 units of the MQ-1 Predator.