RQ-20 Puma vs RQ-4 Global Hawk

Overview

The RQ-20 Puma and the RQ-4 Global Hawk are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and Northrop Grumman respectively.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 7.6x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The RQ-20 Puma has an operational range of 15 km vs 22,800 km for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 2438:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.

The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in 1,000 units vs 40 for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Unit cost is $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma vs $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 9 years before the RQ-20 Puma (1998 vs 2007).

RQ-20 Puma

American battery-powered, small hand-launched unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 2007
Year introduced 2008
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $250K
→ View full RQ-20 Puma details

RQ-4 Global Hawk

American HALE drone, widely deployed in the Iraq War and post-9/11 Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 28 February 1998
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 40 units
Average unit price $131 million
→ View full RQ-4 Global Hawk details

RQ-20 Puma

Wingspan 2.8 m ◉
Length 1.4 m ◉
Maximum speed 83 km/h ◉
Operational range 15 km ◉
Service ceiling 3,200 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 6 kg ◉
Empty weight 6 kg ◉

RQ-4 Global Hawk

Wingspan 39.9 m ◉
Length 14.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 629 km/h ◉
Operational range 22,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg ◉
Empty weight 8,620 kg ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 546 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 7 years before the RQ-20 Puma which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-4 Global Hawk?
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Related Comparisons

RQ-20 Puma vs Geran-2 RQ-20 Puma vs RQ-11 Raven RQ-20 Puma vs ZALA Lancet RQ-20 Puma vs FP-1 RQ-20 Puma vs Switchblade 300 RQ-20 Puma vs Garpiya-A1
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme