MQ-9 Reaper vs RQ-4 Global Hawk
The MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by General Atomics and Northrop Grumman respectively. The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 2.1x the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h. The MQ-9 Reaper has an operational range of 1,850 km vs 22,800 km for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the MQ-9 Reaper. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 3.1x the MQ-9 Reaper's 4,760 kg. The MQ-9 Reaper has been produced in 300 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $30M for the MQ-9 Reaper vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 3 years before the MQ-9 Reaper (1998 vs 2001).
| American unmanned aerial vehicle, notable for extensive use in Middle East conflicts since the 21st century. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics |
| First flight | 1 February 2001 |
| Year introduced | 2007 |
| Number produced | 300 units |
| Average unit price | $30 million |
| American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 28 February 1998 |
| Year introduced | 2001 |
| Number produced | 40 units |
| Average unit price | $131 million |
| Wingspan | 20.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,850 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,760 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2,223 kg ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 14.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 629 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 22,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,628 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,620 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h, a difference of 329 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 4,760 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 11.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the MQ-9 Reaper at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 6 years before the MQ-9 Reaper which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The MQ-9 Reaper has been produced in greater numbers with 300 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.