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MQ-1 Predator vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

MQ-1 Predator vs RQ-4 Global Hawk at a glance — top speed 217 vs 629 km/h, range 1,250 vs 22,800 km, max takeoff weight 1,020 vs 14,628 kg, built 360 vs 40 units.

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 PredatorFull specs
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global HawkFull specs
Specifications
MQ-1 Predator RQ-4 Global Hawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics Northrop Grumman
First flight 3 July 1994 28 February 1998
Year introduced 1995 2001
Number produced 360 units 40 units
Average unit price $4 million $131 million
Wingspan 14.8 m 39.9 m
Height -- m 4.7 m
Length 8.2 m 14.5 m
Maximum speed 217 km/h 629 km/h
Operational range 1,250 km 22,800 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg 14,628 kg
Empty weight 512 kg 6,781 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 3,447 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h, a difference of 412 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 8.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the MQ-1 Predator at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 6 years before the RQ-4 Global Hawk which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in greater numbers with 360 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.