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MQ-1 Predator vs Shahed 129

MQ-1 Predator vs Shahed 129 at a glance — top speed 217 vs 175 km/h, range 1,250 vs 1,700 km, built 360 vs 42 units.

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
Specifications
MQ-1 Predator Shahed 129
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics HESA
First flight 3 July 1994 1 March 2012
Year introduced 1995 2013
Number produced 360 units 42 units
Average unit price $4 million $2 million
Wingspan 14.8 m 16.0 m
Height -- m 3.1 m
Length 8.2 m 8.0 m
Maximum speed 217 km/h 175 km/h
Operational range 1,250 km 1,700 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 7,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg -- kg
Empty weight 512 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 75 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator is faster with a maximum speed of 217 km/h compared to the Shahed 129's 175 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The Shahed 129 has a longer range at 1,700 km compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the Shahed 129's 7,300 meters (23,950 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,020 kg compared to the Shahed 129's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the Shahed 129's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the Shahed 129 at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 18 years before the Shahed 129 which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1 Predator or Shahed 129?
The MQ-1 Predator has been produced in greater numbers with 360 units compared to 42 units of the Shahed 129.