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MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs RQ-7 Shadow

General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle military drones side profile drawing
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Specifications
MQ-1C Gray Eagle RQ-7 Shadow
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics AAI
First flight 1 October 2004 1 January 1991
Year introduced 2009 2002
Number produced 204 units 500 units
Average unit price -- $750K
Wingspan 17.0 m 3.9 m
Height 2.1 m -- m
Length 8.5 m 3.4 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 200 km/h
Operational range 370 km 109 km
Service ceiling 8,839 m 4,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,633 kg 170 kg
Empty weight 1,318 kg 86 kg
Total thrust 1 x 123 kW 0
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and AAI respectively.

Top speed is 309 km/h for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has an operational range of 370 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle operates at altitudes up to 8,839 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 1,633 kg MTOW, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle is 9.6x the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in 204 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 13 years before the MQ-1C Gray Eagle (1991 vs 2004).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 109 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a longer range at 370 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher service ceiling at 8,839 meters (28,999 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,633 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 7 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-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 204 units of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle.