RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-7 Shadow
The RQ-170 Sentinel and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and AAI Corporation respectively. The RQ-170 Sentinel operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $6M for the RQ-170 Sentinel vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 14 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel (1991 vs 2005).
| American stealth drone, prominently used in intelligence collection operations, notable during the late 2000s into the 2010s. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 1 January 2005 |
| Year introduced | 2007 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $6 million |
| 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 | $0.8 million |
| Wingspan | 20.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 4.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | -- km/h |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 3.4 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h |
| Operational range | 109 km |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg |
| Empty weight | 86 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km/h, a difference of 200 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-170 Sentinel has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is longer at 4.8 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is more expensive at approximately $6.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-170 Sentinel or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 5 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel which entered service in 2007.