RQ-11 Raven vs Shahed 131
The RQ-11 Raven and the Shahed 131 are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and HESA respectively. Top speed is 95 km/h for the RQ-11 Raven vs 185 km/h for the Shahed 131. The RQ-11 Raven has an operational range of 10 km vs 900 km for the Shahed 131. At 135 kg MTOW, the Shahed 131 is 68:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg. Unit cost is $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven vs $0.02M for the Shahed 131.
| 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 |
| Iranian-made one-way attack drone, developed in the early 21st century, used for precision strikes against infrastructure and military targets. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | HESA |
| First flight | -- |
| Year introduced | 2022 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $20K |
| Wingspan | 1.4 m â—‰ |
| Length | 0.9 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 10 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,500 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 1.9 kg |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 2.2 m â—‰ |
| Length | 2.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 900 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 135 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 38 hp â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The Shahed 131 is faster with a maximum speed of 185 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 90 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The Shahed 131 has a longer range at 900 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The RQ-11 Raven has a higher service ceiling at 4,500 meters (14,763 ft) compared to the Shahed 131's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The Shahed 131 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 135 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The Shahed 131 is longer at 2.6 meters compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 0.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The RQ-11 Raven is more expensive at approximately $0.2 million per unit compared to the Shahed 131 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-11 Raven or Shahed 131?
The RQ-11 Raven entered service first in 2003, 19 years before the Shahed 131 which entered service in 2022.