RQ-4 Global Hawk vs ScanEagle

Overview

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).

RQ-4 Global Hawk

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
→ View full RQ-4 Global Hawk details

ScanEagle

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
→ View full ScanEagle details

RQ-4 Global Hawk

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 ◉

ScanEagle

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.

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