MQ-4 Triton vs P-8 Poseidon

Overview

The MQ-4 Triton is a Military Drones built by Northrop Grumman, while the P-8 Poseidon is a Military Special Mission Aircraft by Boeing.

Top speed is 610 km/h for the MQ-4 Triton vs 907 km/h for the P-8 Poseidon. The MQ-4 Triton has an operational range of 15,200 km vs 2,225 km for the P-8 Poseidon. The MQ-4 Triton operates at altitudes up to 16,800 m compared to 12,500 m for the P-8 Poseidon. At 85,820 kg MTOW, the P-8 Poseidon is 5.9x the MQ-4 Triton's 14,628 kg.

The MQ-4 Triton has been produced in 30 units vs 187 for the P-8 Poseidon. Unit cost is $180M for the MQ-4 Triton vs $150M for the P-8 Poseidon. The P-8 Poseidon first flew 4 years before the MQ-4 Triton (2009 vs 2013).

MQ-4 Triton

American unmanned surveillance aircraft, known for deployments in persistent maritime ISR missions.
Northrop Grumman MQ-4 Triton UAV profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 22 May 2013
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 30 units
Average unit price $180 million
→ View full MQ-4 Triton details

P-8 Poseidon

American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, developed in the early 21st century, used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Boeing P-8 Poseidon Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 25 April 2009
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 187 units
Average unit price $150 million
→ View full P-8 Poseidon details

MQ-4 Triton

Wingspan 39.9 m ◉
Height -- m
Length 14.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 610 km/h ◉
Operational range 15,200 km ◉
Service ceiling 16,800 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,781 kg ◉
Total thrust 0 ◉

P-8 Poseidon

Wingspan 37.6 m ◉
Height 12.8 m
Length 39.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 907 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,225 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,500 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 85,820 kg ◉
Empty weight 62,730 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 61 kN ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon is faster with a maximum speed of 907 km/h compared to the MQ-4 Triton's 610 km/h, a difference of 297 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The MQ-4 Triton has a longer range at 15,200 km compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 2,225 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher service ceiling at 16,800 meters (55,118 ft) compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 12,500 meters (41,010 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 85,820 kg compared to the MQ-4 Triton's 14,628 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon is longer at 39.5 meters compared to the MQ-4 Triton's 14.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The MQ-4 Triton is more expensive at approximately $180 million per unit compared to the P-8 Poseidon at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon entered service first in 2013, 0 years before the MQ-4 Triton which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-4 Triton or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon has been produced in greater numbers with 187 units compared to 30 units of the MQ-4 Triton.

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