RQ-11 Raven vs RQ-4 Global Hawk
The RQ-11 Raven and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and Northrop Grumman respectively. The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 6.6x the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The RQ-11 Raven has an operational range of 10 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 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 7314:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg. The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in 19,000 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 2 years before the RQ-11 Raven (1998 vs 2000).
| 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 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 |
| Wingspan | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 0.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1.9 kg ◉ |
| 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 RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 534 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-11 Raven 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 RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 2 years before the RQ-11 Raven which entered service in 2003.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 19,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.