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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs WZ-7 Soaring Dragon

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs WZ-7 Soaring Dragon at a glance — top speed 629 vs 750 km/h, range 22,800 vs 7,000 km, built 40 vs 20 units.

Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk WZ-7 Soaring Dragon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Guizhou
First flight 28 February 1998 --
Year introduced 2001 2018
Number produced 40 units 20 units
Average unit price $131 million $25 million
Wingspan 39.9 m 24.9 m
Height -- m 5.4 m
Length 14.5 m 14.3 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 750 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 7,000 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg -- kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 43 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The WZ-7 Soaring Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 629 km/h, a difference of 121 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon's 7,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The WZ-7 Soaring Dragon has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon's 14.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is more expensive at approximately $131 million per unit compared to the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 17 years before the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-7 Soaring Dragon?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has been produced in greater numbers with 40 units compared to 20 units of the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon.