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RQ-7 Shadow vs Watchkeeper WK450

RQ-7 Shadow vs Watchkeeper WK450 at a glance — top speed 200 vs 143 km/h, range 109 vs 150 km, max takeoff weight 170 vs 485 kg, built 500 vs 54 units.

AAI RQ-7 Shadow military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-7 ShadowFull specs
Thales UK Watchkeeper WK450 military drones side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Watchkeeper WK450Full specs
Specifications
RQ-7 Shadow Watchkeeper WK450
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer AAI Thales UK
First flight 1 January 1991 14 April 2010
Year introduced 2002 2019
Number produced 500 units 54 units
Average unit price $750K $25 million
Wingspan 3.9 m 10.9 m
Length 3.4 m 6.5 m
Maximum speed 200 km/h 143 km/h
Operational range 109 km 150 km
Service ceiling 4,600 m 4,900 m
Max. takeoff weight 170 kg 485 kg
Empty weight 86 kg 300 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The RQ-7 Shadow is faster with a maximum speed of 200 km/h compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h, a difference of 57 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 has a longer range at 150 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 has a higher service ceiling at 4,900 meters (16,076 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 485 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 is longer at 6.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 17 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-7 Shadow or Watchkeeper WK450?
The RQ-7 Shadow has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 54 units of the Watchkeeper WK450.