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RQ-7 Shadow vs Shahed 136

RQ-7 Shadow vs Shahed 136 at a glance — top speed 200 vs 185 km/h, range 109 vs 2,500 km, max takeoff weight 170 vs 200 kg, built 500 vs 26,000 units.

AAI RQ-7 Shadow military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-7 Shadow
HESA Shahed 136 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇷 Shahed 136
Specifications
RQ-7 Shadow Shahed 136
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇷 Iran
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer AAI HESA
First flight 1 January 1991 1 January 2021
Year introduced 2002 2021
Number produced 500 units 26000 units
Average unit price $750K $193K
Wingspan 3.9 m 2.5 m
Length 3.4 m 3.5 m
Maximum speed 200 km/h 185 km/h
Operational range 109 km 2,500 km
Service ceiling 4,600 m 4,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 170 kg 200 kg
Empty weight 86 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 37 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the Shahed 136's 185 km/h, a difference of 15 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher service ceiling at 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) compared to the Shahed 136's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 200 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 is longer at 3.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The RQ-7 Shadow is more expensive at approximately $0.8 million per unit compared to the Shahed 136 at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 19 years before the Shahed 136 which entered service in 2021.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-7 Shadow or Shahed 136?
The Shahed 136 has been produced in greater numbers with 26,000 units compared to 500 units of the RQ-7 Shadow.