RQ-4 Global Hawk vs Tu-143 Reys
The RQ-4 Global Hawk and the Tu-143 Reys are both Military Drones, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Tupolev respectively. Top speed is 629 km/h for the RQ-4 Global Hawk vs 950 km/h for the Tu-143 Reys. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has an operational range of 22,800 km vs 200 km for the Tu-143 Reys. The RQ-4 Global Hawk operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 5,000 m for the Tu-143 Reys. At 14,628 kg MTOW, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is 12:1 the Tu-143 Reys's 1,230 kg. The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in 40 units vs 950 for the Tu-143 Reys. The Tu-143 Reys first flew 28 years before the RQ-4 Global Hawk (1970 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 |
| Soviet unmanned reconnaissance aircraft from 1970s used for tactical reconnaissance missions | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| First flight | 1 January 1970 |
| Year introduced | 1976 |
| Number produced | 950 units |
| Average unit price | $-- million |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 14.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 629 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 22,800 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,628 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 8,620 kg |
| Wingspan | 2.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 1.5 m |
| Length | 8.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 950 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 200 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 5,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,230 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The Tu-143 Reys is faster with a maximum speed of 950 km/h compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 629 km/h, a difference of 321 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the Tu-143 Reys's 200 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Tu-143 Reys's 5,000 meters (16,404 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the Tu-143 Reys's 1,230 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the Tu-143 Reys's 8.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The Tu-143 Reys entered service first in 1976, 25 years before the RQ-4 Global Hawk which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or Tu-143 Reys?
The Tu-143 Reys has been produced in greater numbers with 950 units compared to 40 units of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.