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RQ-7 Shadow vs Switchblade 300

RQ-7 Shadow vs Switchblade 300 at a glance — top speed 200 vs 160 km/h, range 109 vs 10 km, max takeoff weight 170 vs 6 kg, built 500 vs 4,000 units.

AAI RQ-7 Shadow military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-7 Shadow
Specifications
RQ-7 Shadow Switchblade 300
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer AAI AeroVironment
First flight 1 January 1991 1 January 2011
Year introduced 2002 2011
Number produced 500 units 4000 units
Average unit price $750K --
Wingspan 3.9 m -- m
Length 3.4 m 0.5 m
Maximum speed 200 km/h 160 km/h
Operational range 109 km 10 km
Service ceiling 4,600 m -- m
Max. takeoff weight 170 kg 6 kg
Empty weight 86 kg 2.5 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h, a difference of 40 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a longer range at 109 km compared to the Switchblade 300's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher service ceiling at 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) compared to the Switchblade 300's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170 kg compared to the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow is longer at 3.4 meters compared to the Switchblade 300's 0.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 9 years before the Switchblade 300 which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-7 Shadow or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,000 units compared to 500 units of the RQ-7 Shadow.