RQ-4 Global Hawk vs RQ-7 Shadow
The RQ-4 Global Hawk and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and AAI Corporation respectively. The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 3.1x the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has an operational range of 22,800 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 86:1 the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in 40 units vs 500 for the RQ-7 Shadow. Unit cost is $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 7 years before the RQ-4 Global Hawk (1991 vs 1998).
| 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 |
| 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 | $0.8 million |
| 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 ◉ |
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 429 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 1 years before the RQ-7 Shadow which entered service in 2002.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.