RQ-20 Puma vs RQ-7 Shadow
Overview
The RQ-20 Puma and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and AAI Corporation respectively.
The RQ-7 Shadow reaches 200 km/h — 2.4x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The RQ-20 Puma has an operational range of 15 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow operates at altitudes up to 4,600 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 170 kg MTOW, the RQ-7 Shadow is 28:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in 1,000 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 16 years before the RQ-20 Puma (1991 vs 2007).
| 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 |
| 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 | $750K |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 117 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher service ceiling at 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is longer at 3.4 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is more expensive at approximately $0.8 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 6 years before the RQ-20 Puma which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-20 Puma or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 500 units of the RQ-7 Shadow.