MQ-1 Predator vs RQ-7 Shadow
The MQ-1 Predator and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and AAI Corporation respectively. Top speed is 217 km/h for the MQ-1 Predator vs 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow. The MQ-1 Predator has an operational range of 1,250 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The MQ-1 Predator operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 1,020 kg MTOW, the MQ-1 Predator is 6.0x the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in 360 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $4M for the MQ-1 Predator vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 3 years before the MQ-1 Predator (1991 vs 1994).
| 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 reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 million |
| Wingspan | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 8.2 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 217 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,250 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,020 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 512 kg â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 3.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 109 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 17 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,020 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 7 years before the RQ-7 Shadow which entered service in 2002.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 360 units of the MQ-1 Predator.