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

MQ-8 Fire Scout vs RQ-7 Shadow

MQ-8 Fire Scout vs RQ-7 Shadow at a glance — top speed 230 vs 200 km/h, range 200 vs 109 km, max takeoff weight 1,450 vs 170 kg, built 40 vs 500 units.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-8 Fire ScoutFull specs
AAI RQ-7 Shadow military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-7 ShadowFull specs
Specifications
MQ-8 Fire Scout RQ-7 Shadow
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman AAI
First flight 1 January 2002 1 January 1991
Year introduced 2009 2002
Number produced 40 units 500 units
Average unit price $18 million $750K
Wingspan 9.8 m 3.9 m
Length 7.3 m 3.4 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h 200 km/h
Operational range 200 km 109 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 4,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg 170 kg
Empty weight 940 kg 86 kg
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
RQ-7 Shadow side profile drawing RQ-7 Shadow Specs, operators & history →
Largest operators · in service
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Military Drones
MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Shahed 136 MQ-8 Fire Scout vs RQ-11 Raven 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 30 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a longer range at 200 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is longer at 7.3 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 7 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-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.