Heron vs MQ-8 Fire Scout

Overview

The Heron and the MQ-8 Fire Scout are both Military Drones, manufactured by IAI and Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 207 km/h for the Heron vs 230 km/h for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The Heron has an operational range of 1,000 km vs 200 km for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 6,100 m for the MQ-8 Fire Scout.

Unit cost is $9.5M for the Heron vs $18M for the MQ-8 Fire Scout. The Heron first flew 8 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout (1994 vs 2002).

Israeli MALE unmanned aerial vehicle, utilized globally since 1994 for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions.
IAI Heron UAV profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer IAI
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 2005
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $9.5 million
US unmanned helicopter drone, utilized predominantly in reconnaissance and target acquisition in Afghanistan and Libya war zones.
Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout UAV profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 2002
Year introduced 2009
Number produced 40 units
Average unit price $18 million
Wingspan 16.6 m
Length 8.5 m
Maximum speed 207 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km
Service ceiling 10,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,270 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Wingspan 9.8 m
Length 7.3 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h
Operational range 200 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg
Empty weight 940 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the Heron's 207 km/h, a difference of 23 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The Heron has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 200 km.
Which can fly higher, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 6,100 meters (20,013 ft).
Which is heavier, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the Heron's 1,270 kg.
Which is larger, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 7.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the Heron at $9.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Heron or MQ-8 Fire Scout?
The Heron entered service first in 2005, 4 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout which entered service in 2009.