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MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs Watchkeeper WK450

MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs Watchkeeper WK450 at a glance — top speed 309 vs 143 km/h, range 370 vs 150 km, max takeoff weight 1,633 vs 485 kg, built 204 vs 54 units.

Specifications
MQ-1C Gray Eagle Watchkeeper WK450
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics Thales UK
First flight 1 October 2004 14 April 2010
Year introduced 2009 2019
Number produced 204 units 54 units
Average unit price -- $25 million
Wingspan 17.0 m 10.9 m
Height 2.1 m -- m
Length 8.5 m 6.5 m
Maximum speed 309 km/h 143 km/h
Operational range 370 km 150 km
Service ceiling 8,839 m 4,900 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,633 kg 485 kg
Empty weight 1,318 kg 300 kg
Total thrust 1 x 123 kW --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 143 km/h, a difference of 166 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a longer range at 370 km compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 150 km.
Which can fly higher, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher service ceiling at 8,839 meters (28,999 ft) compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 4,900 meters (16,076 ft).
Which is heavier, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,633 kg compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 485 kg.
Which is larger, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Watchkeeper WK450's 6.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle entered service first in 2009, 10 years before the Watchkeeper WK450 which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Watchkeeper WK450?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been produced in greater numbers with 204 units compared to 54 units of the Watchkeeper WK450.