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MQ-9 Reaper vs MQ-9B SkyGuardian

MQ-9 Reaper vs MQ-9B SkyGuardian at a glance — top speed 300 vs 390 km/h, range 1,850 vs 11,000 km, max takeoff weight 4,760 vs 5,670 kg.

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-9 Reaper
General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Specifications
MQ-9 Reaper MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics General Atomics
First flight 1 February 2001 25 February 2016
Year introduced 2007 2020
Number produced 300 units N/A
Average unit price $30 million $40 million
Wingspan 20.0 m 24.0 m
Length 11.0 m 11.7 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h 390 km/h
Operational range 1,850 km 11,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 12,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,760 kg 5,670 kg
Empty weight 2,223 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 671 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is faster with a maximum speed of 390 km/h compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h, a difference of 90 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian's 12,200 meters (40,026 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 4,760 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is longer at 11.7 meters compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 11.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the MQ-9 Reaper at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 13 years before the MQ-9B SkyGuardian which entered service in 2020.