MQ-9 Reaper vs MQ-9B SkyGuardian
MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian are related General Atomics systems, not interchangeable model names. SkyGuardian's development addresses additional airspace-integration and customer requirements. A family comparison should distinguish aircraft configuration and approvals from the broad shared persistent-ISR mission.
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Specifications side by side
| Specification | MQ-9 Reaper | MQ-9B SkyGuardian |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Atomics | General Atomics |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Mission role | Attack / Reconnaissance | Multi-Role ISR / Strike |
| Year introduced | 2007 | 2018 |
| Length | 11 m | 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 20 m | 24 m |
| Height | 3.8 m | 3.7 m |
| Maximum speed | 482 km/h | 388 km/h |
| Published range | 1,850 km | 11,000 km |
| Endurance | 27 hours | 40+ hours |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m | 13,716 m |
| Payload | 1,746 kg | 2,177 kg |
| Weight | 2,223 kg | 5,670 kg |
| Armament | AGM-114 Hellfire, GBU-12/38 JDAM, GBU-49 | AGM-114 Hellfire, GBU-39 SDB, Brimstone |
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
Identify whether a claim concerns MQ-9A, an MQ-9B configuration or a particular customer's certified system. Civil-airspace integration is not a single global permission, and a demonstrated approval does not automatically apply to every operator, weapons fit or operating location.
Understanding MQ-9 Reaper
Reaper combines persistent surveillance with a substantial cleared weapons capacity. Its larger turboprop airframe supports a different sensor and strike workload from light tactical UAVs, one-way weapons and reconnaissance-only aircraft.
Separate MQ-9A figures from MQ-9B capabilities, and distinguish total payload allowance from a specific cleared weapons and sensor load.
Understanding MQ-9B SkyGuardian
SkyGuardian is an MQ-9B configuration designed around broader airspace-integration and customer mission requirements. It should be compared as its own system rather than as another spelling of the earlier MQ-9 Reaper.
Certification, airspace approval and aircraft delivery are separate events. Specific national approvals should not be generalized to all operators.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian 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-9 Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian?
MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian are related General Atomics systems, not interchangeable model names. SkyGuardian's development addresses additional airspace-integration and customer requirements. A family comparison should distinguish aircraft configuration and approvals from the broad shared persistent-ISR mission.
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-9 Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian 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-9 Reaper: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- MQ-9B SkyGuardian: 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.