MQ-4 Triton vs ScanEagle
Overview
The MQ-4 Triton and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Boeing Insitu respectively.
The MQ-4 Triton reaches 610 km/h — 4.1x the ScanEagle's 148 km/h. The MQ-4 Triton has an operational range of 15,200 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The MQ-4 Triton operates at altitudes up to 16,800 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the MQ-4 Triton is 665:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
The MQ-4 Triton has been produced in 30 units vs 1,000 for the ScanEagle. Unit cost is $180M for the MQ-4 Triton vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The ScanEagle first flew 13 years before the MQ-4 Triton (2000 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 unmanned vehicle, operational since 2005, notable for surveillance in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Insitu |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $3 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 | 6,781 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 148 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,944 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 22 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 13 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 1 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton is faster with a maximum speed of 610 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 462 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton has a longer range at 15,200 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher service ceiling at 16,800 meters (55,118 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The MQ-4 Triton is more expensive at approximately $180 million per unit compared to the ScanEagle at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle entered service first in 2005, 8 years before the MQ-4 Triton which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-4 Triton or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 30 units of the MQ-4 Triton.