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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Shahed 136

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Shahed 136 at a glance — top speed 629 vs 185 km/h, range 22,800 vs 2,500 km, max takeoff weight 14,628 vs 200 kg, built 40 vs 26,000 units.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global Hawk
HESA Shahed 136 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇷 Shahed 136
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk Shahed 136
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman HESA
First flight 28 February 1998 1 January 2021
Year introduced 2001 2021
Number produced 40 units 26000 units
Average unit price $131 million $193K
Wingspan 39.9 m 2.5 m
Length 14.5 m 3.5 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 185 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 2,500 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg 200 kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 37 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Shahed 136's 185 km/h, a difference of 444 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Shahed 136's 2,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Shahed 136's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Shahed 136's 200 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Shahed 136's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the Shahed 136 at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 20 years before the Shahed 136 which entered service in 2021.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has been produced in greater numbers with 26,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.