RQ-20 Puma vs Shahed 129
The RQ-20 Puma and the Shahed 129 are both Military Drones, manufactured by AeroVironment and HESA respectively. The Shahed 129 reaches 175 km/h — 2.1x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The RQ-20 Puma has an operational range of 15 km vs 1,700 km for the Shahed 129. The Shahed 129 operates at altitudes up to 7,300 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in 1,000 units vs 42 for the Shahed 129. The RQ-20 Puma first flew 5 years before the Shahed 129 (2007 vs 2012).
| 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 |
| Iranian single-engine medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle, introduced in 2013, utilized for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision airstrikes. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | HESA |
| First flight | 1 March 2012 |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Number produced | 42 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wingspan | 2.8 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 83 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 15 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 3,200 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 16.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 3.1 m |
| Length | 8.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,700 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,300 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 75 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The Shahed 129 is faster with a maximum speed of 175 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 92 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The Shahed 129 has a longer range at 1,700 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The Shahed 129 has a higher service ceiling at 7,300 meters (23,950 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The RQ-20 Puma has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 6 kg compared to the Shahed 129's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The Shahed 129 is longer at 8.0 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The RQ-20 Puma entered service first in 2008, 5 years before the Shahed 129 which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-20 Puma or Shahed 129?
The RQ-20 Puma has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 42 units of the Shahed 129.