GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

MQ-8 Fire Scout vs RQ-11 Raven

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-8 Fire Scout
Change comparison vs
Specifications
MQ-8 Fire Scout RQ-11 Raven
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 2002 1 January 2000
Year introduced 2009 2003
Number produced 40 units 19000 units
Average unit price $18 million $170K
Wingspan 9.8 m 1.4 m
Length 7.3 m 0.9 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h 95 km/h
Operational range 200 km 10 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 4,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg 2 kg
Empty weight 940 kg 1.9 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MQ-8 Fire Scout and the RQ-11 Raven are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and AeroVironment respectively.

The MQ-8 Fire Scout reaches 230 km/h — 2.4:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The MQ-8 Fire Scout has an operational range of 200 km vs 10 km for the RQ-11 Raven. The MQ-8 Fire Scout operates at altitudes up to 6,100 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 1,450 kg MTOW, the MQ-8 Fire Scout is 725:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.

The MQ-8 Fire Scout has been produced in 40 units vs 19,000 for the RQ-11 Raven. Unit cost is $18M for the MQ-8 Fire Scout vs $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven. The RQ-11 Raven first flew 2 years before the MQ-8 Fire Scout (2000 vs 2002).

Related Comparisons
MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Geran-2 MQ-8 Fire Scout vs ZALA Lancet MQ-8 Fire Scout vs FP-1 MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Switchblade 300 MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Garpiya-A1 MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Orlan-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 135 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a longer range at 200 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is longer at 7.3 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven entered service first in 2003, 6 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 RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 19,000 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.