RQ-21 Blackjack vs RQ-7 Shadow
Overview
The RQ-21 Blackjack and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Insitu and AAI Corporation respectively.
Top speed is 170 km/h for the RQ-21 Blackjack vs 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-21 Blackjack has an operational range of 93 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-21 Blackjack operates at altitudes up to 5,900 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 170 kg MTOW, the RQ-7 Shadow is 2.8x the RQ-21 Blackjack's 61 kg.
The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 21 years before the RQ-21 Blackjack (1991 vs 2012).
| American tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the early 2010s, used for forward reconnaissance and intelligence gathering by naval and land forces. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Insitu |
| First flight | 28 July 2012 |
| Year introduced | 2014 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 | 4.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 93 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,900 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 61 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 37 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 6 kW ◉ |
| 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 ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the RQ-21 Blackjack's 170 km/h, a difference of 30 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the RQ-21 Blackjack's 93 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-21 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 5,900 meters (19,356 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the RQ-21 Blackjack's 61 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is longer at 3.4 meters compared to the RQ-21 Blackjack's 2.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-21 Blackjack or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 12 years before the RQ-21 Blackjack which entered service in 2014.