RQ-11 Raven vs RQ-7 Shadow
Overview
The RQ-11 Raven and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and AAI Corporation respectively.
The RQ-7 Shadow reaches 200 km/h — 2.1x the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The RQ-11 Raven has an operational range of 10 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow operates at altitudes up to 4,600 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 170 kg MTOW, the RQ-7 Shadow is 85:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in 19,000 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 9 years before the RQ-11 Raven (1991 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 | $170K |
| American reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $750K |
| 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 | 3.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 105 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher service ceiling at 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is longer at 3.4 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is more expensive at approximately $0.8 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 1 years before the RQ-11 Raven which entered service in 2003.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-11 Raven or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-11 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 19,000 units compared to 500 units of the RQ-7 Shadow.