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MQ-9 Reaper vs Shahed 129

MQ-9 Reaper vs Shahed 129 at a glance — top speed 300 vs 175 km/h, range 1,850 vs 1,700 km, built 300 vs 42 units.

Specifications
MQ-9 Reaper Shahed 129
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics HESA
First flight 1 February 2001 1 March 2012
Year introduced 2007 2013
Number produced 300 units 42 units
Average unit price $30 million $2 million
Wingspan 20.0 m 16.0 m
Height -- m 3.1 m
Length 11.0 m 8.0 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h 175 km/h
Operational range 1,850 km 1,700 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 7,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,760 kg -- kg
Empty weight 2,223 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 75 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper is faster with a maximum speed of 300 km/h compared to the Shahed 129's 175 km/h, a difference of 125 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the Shahed 129's 1,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Shahed 129's 7,300 meters (23,950 ft).
Which is larger, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the Shahed 129's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the Shahed 129 at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 6 years before the Shahed 129 which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-9 Reaper or Shahed 129?
The MQ-9 Reaper has been produced in greater numbers with 300 units compared to 42 units of the Shahed 129.