MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs RQ-4 Global Hawk
Overview
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and Northrop Grumman respectively.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 2.0x the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 309 km/h. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has an operational range of 370 km vs 22,800 km for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 8,839 m for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 9.0x the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 1,633 kg.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in 204 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 6 years before the MQ-1C Gray Eagle (1998 vs 2004).
| American medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle, introduced in the early 21st century and primarily utilized by the United States Army for reconnaissance and strike missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics |
| First flight | 1 October 2004 |
| Year introduced | 2009 |
| Number produced | 204 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 28 February 1998 |
| Year introduced | 2001 |
| Number produced | 40 units |
| Average unit price | $131 million |
| Wingspan | 17.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.1 m |
| Length | 8.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 309 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 370 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 8,839 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,633 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,318 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 123 kW ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 14.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 629 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 22,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,628 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,620 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 309 km/h, a difference of 320 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 370 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 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-1C Gray Eagle's 8,839 meters (28,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 1,633 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle's 8.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 8 years before the MQ-1C Gray Eagle which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in greater numbers with 204 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.