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MQ-9B SkyGuardian vs Shahed 136

MQ-9B SkyGuardian vs Shahed 136 at a glance — top speed 390 vs 185 km/h, range 11,000 vs 2,500 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 200 kg.

HESA Shahed 136 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇷 Shahed 136
Specifications
MQ-9B SkyGuardian Shahed 136
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics HESA
First flight 25 February 2016 1 January 2021
Year introduced 2020 2021
Number produced N/A 26000 units
Average unit price $40 million $193K
Wingspan 24.0 m 2.5 m
Length 11.7 m 3.5 m
Maximum speed 390 km/h 185 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 2,500 km
Service ceiling 12,200 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 200 kg
Total thrust 1 x 671 kW 1 x 37 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is faster with a maximum speed of 390 km/h compared to the Shahed 136's 185 km/h, a difference of 205 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Shahed 136's 2,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a higher service ceiling at 12,200 meters (40,026 ft) compared to the Shahed 136's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the Shahed 136's 200 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is longer at 11.7 meters compared to the Shahed 136's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the Shahed 136 at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or Shahed 136?
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian entered service first in 2020, 1 years before the Shahed 136 which entered service in 2021.