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RQ-4 Global Hawk vs WZ-8

RQ-4 Global Hawk vs WZ-8 at a glance — top speed 629 vs 3,704 km/h, range 22,800 vs 8,000 km.

Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk military drones side profile drawing
AVIC WZ-8 military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 WZ-8
Specifications
RQ-4 Global Hawk WZ-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman AVIC
First flight 28 February 1998 --
Year introduced 2001 2019
Number produced 40 units N/A
Average unit price $131 million --
Wingspan 39.9 m 6.7 m
Height -- m 2.2 m
Length 14.5 m 11.5 m
Maximum speed 629 km/h 3704 km/h
Operational range 22,800 km 8,000 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 50,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,628 kg -- kg
Empty weight 8,620 kg -- kg
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-8?
The WZ-8 is faster with a maximum speed of 3,704 km/h compared to the RQ-4 Global Hawk's 629 km/h, a difference of 3,075 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-8?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a longer range at 22,800 km compared to the WZ-8's 8,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-8?
The WZ-8 has a higher service ceiling at 50,000 meters (164,042 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-8?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,628 kg compared to the WZ-8's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-8?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is longer at 14.5 meters compared to the WZ-8's 11.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the RQ-4 Global Hawk or WZ-8?
The RQ-4 Global Hawk entered service first in 2001, 18 years before the WZ-8 which entered service in 2019.