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MQ-1 Predator vs ScanEagle

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
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Specifications
MQ-1 Predator ScanEagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics Boeing Insitu
First flight 3 July 1994 1 January 2000
Year introduced 1995 2005
Number produced 360 units 1000 units
Average unit price $4 million $3 million
Wingspan 14.8 m 3.1 m
Length 8.2 m 1.6 m
Maximum speed 217 km/h 148 km/h
Operational range 1,250 km 100 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 5,944 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg 22 kg
Empty weight 512 kg 13 kg
Total thrust 0 1 x 1 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MQ-1 Predator and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and Boeing Insitu respectively.

Top speed is 217 km/h for the MQ-1 Predator vs 148 km/h for the ScanEagle. The MQ-1 Predator has an operational range of 1,250 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The MQ-1 Predator operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. At 1,020 kg MTOW, the MQ-1 Predator is 46:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg.

The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in 360 units vs 1,000 for the ScanEagle. Unit cost is $4M for the MQ-1 Predator vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 6 years before the ScanEagle (1994 vs 2000).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 69 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,020 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the ScanEagle at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 10 years before the ScanEagle which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 360 units of the MQ-1 Predator.