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MQ-8 Fire Scout vs Switchblade 300

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-8 Fire Scout
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Specifications
MQ-8 Fire Scout Switchblade 300
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 2002 1 January 2011
Year introduced 2009 2011
Number produced 40 units 4000 units
Average unit price $18 million --
Wingspan 9.8 m -- m
Length 7.3 m 0.5 m
Maximum speed 230 km/h 160 km/h
Operational range 200 km 10 km
Service ceiling 6,100 m -- m
Max. takeoff weight 1,450 kg 6 kg
Empty weight 940 kg 2.5 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MQ-8 Fire Scout and the Switchblade 300 are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and AeroVironment respectively.

Top speed is 230 km/h for the MQ-8 Fire Scout vs 160 km/h for the Switchblade 300. The MQ-8 Fire Scout has an operational range of 200 km vs 10 km for the Switchblade 300. At 1,450 kg MTOW, the MQ-8 Fire Scout is 242:1 the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.

The MQ-8 Fire Scout has been produced in 40 units vs 4,000 for the Switchblade 300. The MQ-8 Fire Scout first flew 9 years before the Switchblade 300 (2002 vs 2011).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is faster with a maximum speed of 230 km/h compared to the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h, a difference of 70 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a longer range at 200 km compared to the Switchblade 300's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the Switchblade 300's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,450 kg compared to the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout is longer at 7.3 meters compared to the Switchblade 300's 0.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The MQ-8 Fire Scout entered service first in 2009, 2 years before the Switchblade 300 which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-8 Fire Scout or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,000 units compared to 40 units of the MQ-8 Fire Scout.