RQ-7 Shadow vs Switchblade 300
Overview
The RQ-7 Shadow and the Switchblade 300 are both Military Drones, manufactured by AAI Corporation and AeroVironment respectively.
Top speed is 200 km/h for the RQ-7 Shadow vs 160 km/h for the Switchblade 300. The RQ-7 Shadow has an operational range of 109 km vs 10 km for the Switchblade 300. At 170 kg MTOW, the RQ-7 Shadow is 28:1 the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in 500 units vs 4,000 for the Switchblade 300. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 20 years before the Switchblade 300 (1991 vs 2011).
| American reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $750K |
| American man-portable loitering munition, introduced in the early 2010s, used for precision strikes against personnel and light vehicles in various global conflicts. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2011 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | 4000 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg ◉ |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Length | 0.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2.5 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.