MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs Watchkeeper WK450
Overview
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle and the Watchkeeper WK450 are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and Thales UK respectively.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle reaches 309 km/h — 2.2x the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has an operational range of 370 km vs 150 km for the Watchkeeper WK450. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle operates at altitudes up to 8,839 m compared to 4,900 m for the Watchkeeper WK450. At 1,633 kg MTOW, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle is 3.4x the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in 204 units vs 54 for the Watchkeeper WK450. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle first flew 6 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 (2004 vs 2010).
| 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. | |
| 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 | -- |
| British unmanned aerial vehicle for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance, developed in the early 21st century and used for battlefield intelligence and border patrol. | |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Thales UK |
| First flight | 14 April 2010 |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Number produced | 54 units |
| Average unit price | $25 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 | 10.9 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 6.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 143 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 150 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,900 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 485 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 300 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 Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h, a difference of 166 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a longer range at 370 km compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 150 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher service ceiling at 8,839 meters (28,999 ft) compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 4,900 meters (16,076 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,633 kg compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 6.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle entered service first in 2009, 10 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in greater numbers with 204 units compared to 54 units of the Watchkeeper WK450.