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MQ-9B SkyGuardian vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

MQ-9B SkyGuardian vs RQ-4 Global Hawk at a glance — top speed 390 vs 629 km/h, range 11,000 vs 22,800 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 14,628 kg.

Specifications
MQ-9B SkyGuardian RQ-4 Global Hawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics Northrop Grumman
First flight 25 February 2016 28 February 1998
Year introduced 2020 2001
Number produced N/A 40 units
Average unit price $40 million $131 million
Wingspan 24.0 m 39.9 m
Length 11.7 m 14.5 m
Maximum speed 390 km/h 629 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 22,800 km
Service ceiling 12,200 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 14,628 kg
Empty weight -- kg 8,620 kg
Total thrust 1 x 671 kW --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian's 390 km/h, a difference of 239 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian's 11,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian 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-9B SkyGuardian's 12,200 meters (40,026 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian's 11.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 19 years before the MQ-9B SkyGuardian which entered service in 2020.