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RQ-11 Raven vs RQ-7 Shadow

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Specifications
RQ-11 Raven RQ-7 Shadow
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer AeroVironment AAI
First flight 1 January 2000 1 January 1991
Year introduced 2003 2002
Number produced 19000 units 500 units
Average unit price $170K $750K
Wingspan 1.4 m 3.9 m
Length 0.9 m 3.4 m
Maximum speed 95 km/h 200 km/h
Operational range 10 km 109 km
Service ceiling 4,500 m 4,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 2 kg 170 kg
Empty weight 1.9 kg 86 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The RQ-11 Raven and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and AAI respectively.

The RQ-7 Shadow reaches 200 km/h — 2.1:1 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).

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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.