Hermes 450 vs Watchkeeper WK450
The Hermes 450 and the Watchkeeper WK450 are both Military Drones, manufactured by Elbit and Thales UK respectively. Top speed is 176 km/h for the Hermes 450 vs 143 km/h for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 450 has an operational range of 300 km vs 150 km for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 450 operates at altitudes up to 5,500 m compared to 4,900 m for the Watchkeeper WK450. Unit cost is $2M for the Hermes 450 vs $25M for the Watchkeeper WK450. The Hermes 450 first flew 16 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 (1994 vs 2010).
| Israeli medium-size MALE drone for surveillance and reconnaissance. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Elbit |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year introduced | 1998 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| British unmanned aerial vehicle for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance, developed in the early 21st century and used for battlefield intelligence and border patrol. | |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Thales UK |
| First flight | 14 April 2010 |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Number produced | 54 units |
| Average unit price | $25 million |
| Wingspan | 10.5 m â—‰ |
| Length | 6.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 5,500 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 550 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 450 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 39 kW â—‰ |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 6.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 143 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 150 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 4,900 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 485 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 450 is faster with a maximum speed of 176 km/h compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 450 has a longer range at 300 km compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 150 km.
Which can fly higher, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 450 has a higher service ceiling at 5,500 meters (18,044 ft) compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 4,900 meters (16,076 ft).
Which is heavier, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 450 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 550 kg compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.
Which is larger, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 is longer at 6.5 meters compared to the Hermes 450's 6.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Watchkeeper WK450 is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the Hermes 450 at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Hermes 450 or Watchkeeper WK450?
The Hermes 450 entered service first in 1998, 21 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 which entered service in 2019.