RQ-170 Sentinel vs ScanEagle

The RQ-170 Sentinel and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing Insitu respectively. The RQ-170 Sentinel operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. Unit cost is $6M for the RQ-170 Sentinel vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The ScanEagle first flew 5 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel (2000 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 unmanned vehicle, operational since 2005, notable for surveillance in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Boeing Insitu
First flight 1 January 2000
Year introduced 2005
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $3 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
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Wingspan 3.1 m â—‰
Length 1.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 148 km/h
Operational range 100 km
Service ceiling 5,944 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 22 kg
Empty weight 13 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle is faster with a maximum speed of 148 km/h compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km/h, a difference of 148 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has a longer range at 100 km compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The RQ-170 Sentinel has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22 kg compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is longer at 4.8 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The RQ-170 Sentinel is more expensive at approximately $6.0 million per unit compared to the ScanEagle at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-170 Sentinel or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle entered service first in 2005, 2 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel which entered service in 2007.