Orlan-10 vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Overview

The Orlan-10 and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by Special Technology Center and Northrop Grumman respectively.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 4.2x the Orlan-10's 150 km/h. The Orlan-10 has an operational range of 110 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 5,000 m for the Orlan-10. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 914:1 the Orlan-10's 16 kg.

The Orlan-10 has been produced in 1,000 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $0.05M for the Orlan-10 vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 13 years before the Orlan-10 (1998 vs 2011).

Orlan-10

Russian reconnaissance unarmed drone, extensively used in the 2022 Ukraine war.
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Special Technology Center
First flight 1 January 2011
Year introduced 2011
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $50K
→ View full Orlan-10 details

RQ-4 Global Hawk

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
→ View full RQ-4 Global Hawk details

Orlan-10

Wingspan 3.1 m ◉
Length 2.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 150 km/h ◉
Operational range 110 km ◉
Service ceiling 5,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 16 kg ◉
Empty weight 9 kg ◉

RQ-4 Global Hawk

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 Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Orlan-10's 150 km/h, a difference of 479 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Orlan-10's 110 km.
Which can fly higher, the Orlan-10 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 Orlan-10's 5,000 meters (16,404 ft).
Which is heavier, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Orlan-10's 16 kg.
Which is larger, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Orlan-10's 2.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the Orlan-10 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 10 years before the Orlan-10 which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Orlan-10 or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The Orlan-10 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Related Comparisons

Orlan-10 vs RQ-11 Raven Orlan-10 vs ZALA Lancet Orlan-10 vs Switchblade 300 Orlan-10 vs RQ-20 Puma Orlan-10 vs ScanEagle Orlan-10 vs Tu-143 Reys
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme