GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Hermes 450 vs RQ-7 Shadow

Elbit Hermes 450 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 Hermes 450
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Hermes 450 RQ-7 Shadow
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Elbit AAI
First flight 1 January 1994 1 January 1991
Year introduced 1998 2002
Number produced N/A 500 units
Average unit price $2 million $750K
Wingspan 10.5 m 3.9 m
Length 6.1 m 3.4 m
Maximum speed 176 km/h 200 km/h
Operational range 300 km 109 km
Service ceiling 5,500 m 4,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 550 kg 170 kg
Empty weight 450 kg 86 kg
Total thrust 1 x 39 kW --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Hermes 450 and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and AAI respectively.

Top speed is 176 km/h for the Hermes 450 vs 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow. The Hermes 450 has an operational range of 300 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The Hermes 450 operates at altitudes up to 5,500 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 550 kg MTOW, the Hermes 450 is 3.2:1 the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.

Unit cost is $2M for the Hermes 450 vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 3 years before the Hermes 450 (1991 vs 1994).

Related Comparisons
Hermes 450 vs RQ-11 Raven Hermes 450 vs Switchblade 300 Hermes 450 vs MQM-107 Streaker Hermes 450 vs Orlan-10 Hermes 450 vs RQ-20 Puma Hermes 450 vs ScanEagle

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the Hermes 450's 176 km/h, a difference of 24 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 has a longer range at 300 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 has a higher service ceiling at 5,500 meters (18,044 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 550 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 is longer at 6.1 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 450 or RQ-7 Shadow?
The Hermes 450 entered service first in 1998, 4 years before the RQ-7 Shadow which entered service in 2002.