MQ-4 Triton vs RQ-7 Shadow
The MQ-4 Triton and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and AAI Corporation respectively. The MQ-4 Triton reaches 610 km/h — 3.0x the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h. The MQ-4 Triton has an operational range of 15,200 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The MQ-4 Triton operates at altitudes up to 16,800 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the MQ-4 Triton is 86:1 the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. The MQ-4 Triton has been produced in 30 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $180M for the MQ-4 Triton vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 22 years before the MQ-4 Triton (1991 vs 2013).
| American unmanned surveillance aircraft, known for deployments in persistent maritime ISR missions. | |
| 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 |
| American reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 million |
| Wingspan | 39.9 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 | -- kg |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton is faster with a maximum speed of 610 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 410 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton has a longer range at 15,200 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher service ceiling at 16,800 meters (55,118 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-4 Triton is more expensive at approximately $180 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 11 years before the MQ-4 Triton which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-4 Triton or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 30 units of the MQ-4 Triton.