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RQ-7 Shadow vs ScanEagle

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Specifications
RQ-7 Shadow ScanEagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer AAI Insitu
First flight 1 January 1991 1 January 2000
Year introduced 2002 2005
Number produced 500 units 1000 units
Average unit price $750K $3 million
Wingspan 3.9 m 3.1 m
Length 3.4 m 1.6 m
Maximum speed 200 km/h 148 km/h
Operational range 109 km 100 km
Service ceiling 4,600 m 5,944 m
Max. takeoff weight 170 kg 22 kg
Empty weight 86 kg 13 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 1 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The RQ-7 Shadow and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by AAI and Insitu respectively.

Top speed is 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow vs 148 km/h for the ScanEagle. The RQ-7 Shadow has an operational range of 109 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The ScanEagle operates at altitudes up to 5,944 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 170 kg MTOW, the RQ-7 Shadow is 7.7:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg.

The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in 500 units vs 1,000 for the ScanEagle. Unit cost is $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 9 years before the ScanEagle (1991 vs 2000).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 52 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has a higher service ceiling at 5,944 meters (19,501 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The RQ-7 Shadow is longer at 3.4 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 3 years before the ScanEagle which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-7 Shadow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 500 units of the RQ-7 Shadow.