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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Switchblade 300

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Switchblade 300 at a glance — top speed 629 vs 160 km/h, range 22,800 vs 10 km, max takeoff weight 14,628 vs 6 kg, built 40 vs 4,000 units.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-4 Global Hawk
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk Switchblade 300
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman AeroVironment
First flight 28 February 1998 1 January 2011
Year introduced 2001 2011
Number produced 40 units 4000 units
Average unit price $131 million --
Wingspan 39.9 m -- m
Length 14.5 m 0.5 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 160 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 10 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m -- m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg 6 kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg 2.5 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is faster with a maximum speed of 629 km/h compared to the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h, a difference of 469 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Switchblade 300's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Switchblade 300's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Switchblade 300's 0.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 10 years before the Switchblade 300 which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,000 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.