RQ-4 Global Hawk vs ScanEagle
The RQ-4 Global Hawk and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Boeing Insitu respectively. The RQ-4 Global Hawk reaches 629 km/h — 4.2x the ScanEagle's 148 km/h. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has an operational range of 22,800 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 665:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in 40 units vs 1,000 for the ScanEagle. Unit cost is $131M for the RQ-4 Global Hawk vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The RQ-4 Global Hawk first flew 2 years before the ScanEagle (1998 vs 2000).
| 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 unmanned vehicle, operational since 2005, notable for surveillance in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Insitu |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $3 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 ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 148 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,944 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 22 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 13 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 1 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 481 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the ScanEagle at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 4 years before the ScanEagle which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.