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MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Shahed 136

MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Shahed 136 at a glance — top speed 230 vs 185 km/h, range 200 vs 2,500 km, max takeoff weight 1,450 vs 200 kg, built 40 vs 26,000 units.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-8 Fire Scout
HESA Shahed 136 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇷 Shahed 136
Specifications
MQ-8 Fire Scout Shahed 136
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman HESA
First flight 1 January 2002 1 January 2021
Year introduced 2009 2021
Number produced 40 units 26000 units
Average unit price $18 million $193K
Wingspan 9.8 m 2.5 m
Length 7.3 m 3.5 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h 185 km/h
Operational range 200 km 2,500 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg 200 kg
Empty weight 940 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 37 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the Shahed 136's 185 km/h, a difference of 45 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the MQ-8 Fire Scout's 200 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the Shahed 136's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the Shahed 136's 200 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is longer at 7.3 meters compared to the Shahed 136's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is more expensive at approximately $18 million per unit compared to the Shahed 136 at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout entered service first in 2009, 12 years before the Shahed 136 which entered service in 2021.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has been produced in greater numbers with 26,000 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.