RQ-11 Raven vs RQ-170 Sentinel

The RQ-11 Raven and the RQ-170 Sentinel are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and Lockheed Martin respectively. The RQ-170 Sentinel operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. Unit cost is $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven vs $6M for the RQ-170 Sentinel. The RQ-11 Raven first flew 5 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel (2000 vs 2005).

American unmanned aerial vehicle, renowned for extensive service since 1990s, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 2000
Year introduced 2003
Number produced 19000 units
Average unit price $0.2 million
American stealth drone, prominently used in intelligence collection operations, notable during the late 2000s into the 2010s.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 2005
Year introduced 2007
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $6 million
Wingspan 1.4 m â—‰
Length 0.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 95 km/h
Operational range 10 km
Service ceiling 4,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2 kg
Empty weight 1.9 kg
Wingspan 20.0 m â—‰
Length 4.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-11 Raven is faster with a maximum speed of 95 km/h compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km/h, a difference of 95 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-11 Raven has a longer range at 10 km compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-170 Sentinel has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-11 Raven has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2 kg compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is longer at 4.8 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is more expensive at approximately $6.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-170 Sentinel?
The RQ-11 Raven entered service first in 2003, 4 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel which entered service in 2007.