MQ-1C Gray Eagle vs RQ-7 Shadow
Gray Eagle and Shadow both relate to Army reconnaissance needs, but they are different-scale systems. Gray Eagle combines persistent observation with an armed mission; Shadow provides a tactical reconnaissance reference with a different launch, recovery and supported-unit context.
Open these drones in the interactive compare tool
Specifications side by side
| Specification | MQ-1C Gray Eagle | RQ-7 Shadow |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Atomics | AAI/Textron |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Mission role | Reconnaissance / Attack | Tactical Reconnaissance |
| Year introduced | 2009 | 2002 |
| Length | 8 m | 3.4 m |
| Wingspan | 17 m | 4.3 m |
| Height | 2.1 m | 0.9 m |
| Maximum speed | Up to 167 KTAS / about 309 km/h (Army baseline figure) | 204 km/h |
| Published range | Mission and communications configuration dependent | 125 km |
| Endurance | 25 hours (baseline); ER configurations differ | 6 hours |
| Service ceiling | 29,000 ft / about 8,840 m (Army baseline figure) | 4,570 m |
| Payload | 488 kg combined internal/external (Army baseline figure) | 27 kg |
| Weight | 1,633 kg | 170 kg |
| Armament | Up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; mission-dependent | None (reconnaissance only) |
Figures below come from the linked DroneStrike profiles and retain their configuration qualifiers. Maximum speed, range, endurance and payload are separate published figures, not a single achievable mission configuration. Range is not necessarily combat radius or datalink reach. Missing information is not zero, and a larger figure does not establish combat effectiveness.
The comparison that matters
Compare how each system supports the ground force rather than only its maximum endurance. Keep Gray Eagle baseline and ER configurations separate, and identify which Shadow version and service period a claim concerns before interpreting retirement or replacement reports.
Understanding MQ-1C Gray Eagle
Gray Eagle is an Army-oriented reconnaissance and attack system with its own airframe and operational integration. Its Predator-family lineage does not make it interchangeable with the earlier MQ-1 or the larger MQ-9.
Baseline Army figures, Extended Range developments and individual electronic-intelligence upgrades must remain separately labelled.
Understanding RQ-7 Shadow
Shadow is a tactical reconnaissance UAS associated with support to ground forces. Its launch, recovery and supported-unit context differ from a larger armed medium-altitude platform.
Different Shadow versions and service transition decisions should be identified by date and operator rather than generalized to every aircraft.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7 Shadow catalog records, not an artificial combination of every advertised upgrade. Values are reproduced with their existing units and qualifications. Where figures describe different missions or payload types, treat them as context rather than calculating an unsupported performance advantage.
A published maximum is not necessarily achievable alongside every other maximum. Endurance may change with equipment, flight or sea conditions and transit requirements; a range figure may describe a different constraint from datalink reach. Unknown specifications remain unknown. For development programs and limited-disclosure systems, an intended capability must stay distinct from a completed trial or operational service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7 Shadow?
Gray Eagle and Shadow both relate to Army reconnaissance needs, but they are different-scale systems. Gray Eagle combines persistent observation with an armed mission; Shadow provides a tactical reconnaissance reference with a different launch, recovery and supported-unit context.
Can the headline specifications establish a winner?
No. The mission, actual configuration, supported force and quality of evidence determine what the figures mean. Maximum speed, endurance and payload alone do not establish combat effectiveness, survivability or equal intelligence collection.
Where can I verify the versions and figures used here?
Follow the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7 Shadow profile links for full descriptions, timelines and any listed source references. This guide preserves the catalog's uncertainty labels rather than presenting unpublished or weakly sourced figures as independently verified facts.
Sources and further reading
- MQ-1C Gray Eagle: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- RQ-7 Shadow: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
Specifications are drawn from the linked catalog profiles. Source dates and aircraft configurations may differ; see the individual profiles for their timelines and qualifications.