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MQ-8 Fire Scout vs MQ-9 Reaper

MQ-8 Fire Scout vs MQ-9 Reaper at a glance — top speed 230 vs 300 km/h, range 200 vs 1,850 km, max takeoff weight 1,450 vs 4,760 kg, built 40 vs 300 units.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-8 Fire Scout
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-9 Reaper
Specifications
MQ-8 Fire Scout MQ-9 Reaper
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman General Atomics
First flight 1 January 2002 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2009 2007
Number produced 40 units 300 units
Average unit price $18 million $30 million
Wingspan 9.8 m 20.0 m
Length 7.3 m 11.0 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 200 km 1,850 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg 4,760 kg
Empty weight 940 kg 2,223 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 230 km/h, a difference of 70 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 200 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 6,100 meters (20,013 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,760 kg compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 1,450 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 7.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout at $18 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 2 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has been produced in greater numbers with 300 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.