RQ-11 Raven vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Overview

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).

RQ-11 Raven

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 $170K
→ View full RQ-11 Raven 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

RQ-11 Raven

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 ◉

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 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.

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