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MQ-4 Triton vs RQ-170 Sentinel

Northrop Grumman MQ-4 Triton military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-4 Triton
Change comparison vs
Specifications
MQ-4 Triton RQ-170 Sentinel
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin
First flight 22 May 2013 1 January 2005
Year introduced 2013 2007
Number produced 30 units N/A
Average unit price $180 million $6 million
Wingspan 39.9 m 20.0 m
Length 14.5 m 4.8 m
Maximum speed 610 km/h -- km/h
Operational range 15,200 km -- km
Service ceiling 16,800 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg -- kg
Empty weight 6,781 kg -- kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MQ-4 Triton and the RQ-170 Sentinel are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin respectively.

The MQ-4 Triton operates at altitudes up to 16,800 m compared to 15,240 m for the RQ-170 Sentinel.

Unit cost is $180M for the MQ-4 Triton vs $6M for the RQ-170 Sentinel. The RQ-170 Sentinel first flew 8 years before the MQ-4 Triton (2005 vs 2013).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton is faster with a maximum speed of 610 km/h compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km/h, a difference of 610 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton has a longer range at 15,200 km compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher service ceiling at 16,800 meters (55,118 ft) compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 4.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The MQ-4 Triton is more expensive at approximately $180 million per unit compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-170 Sentinel entered service first in 2007, 6 years before the MQ-4 Triton which entered service in 2013.