The US Military’s 5 Most Unique Drones You Must Know
The US military isn’t just about tanks, jets, and battleships—drones have quietly become one of its most powerful assets. Thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) now patrol the skies, performing missions that range from intelligence gathering to surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). In this article, we’ll explore five of the most unique and game-changing drones that the US military currently operates.
1. RQ-20 Puma
Introduced: 2008
Length: 4 ft 7 in (1.4 m)
Wingspan: 9 ft 2 in (2.8 m)
Max Takeoff Weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
Maximum Speed: 52 mph (83 km/h, 45 knots)
Minimum Control Speed: 23 mph (37 km/h, 20 knots)
Range: 9.3 mi (15 km, 8.1 NM)
Endurance: 2 hours
The RQ-20 Puma is a compact, battery-powered, hand-launched drone designed for surveillance and intelligence missions. Equipped with both infrared and electro-optical cameras, the Puma provides operators with flexible deployment options while maintaining high mission effectiveness.
“Puma AE is a fully waterproof, small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) built for both land and maritime operations. Capable of landing on water or solid ground, it offers operational flexibility unprecedented in the small UAS class.” – AeroVironment
In terms of deployment, the US Air Force operates 60 units of the RQ-20 Puma, while the US Army fields 325 of these versatile drones.
2. RQ-21 Blackjack
Introduced: 2014
Length: 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
Wingspan: 16 ft (4.9 m)
Empty Weight: 81 lb (37 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 135 lb (61 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × EFI Piston Engine, 8 hp (6.0 kW)
Maximum Speed: 100 mph (170 km/h, 90 knots)
Cruise Speed: 63 mph (100 km/h, 55 knots)
Range: 58 mi (93 km, 50 NM)
Endurance: 16 hours
Service Ceiling: 19,500 ft (5,900 m)
The RQ-21 Blackjack is more than just a drone—it’s a tactical eye in the sky for the US Navy. Developed by Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, this compact twin-boom monoplane was designed to deliver reliable intelligence and reconnaissance on demanding missions. Its single EFI piston engine produces 8 hp, enabling the Blackjack to cover long distances at a steady cruise speed while staying aloft for up to 16 hours.
Thanks to its versatile design, the Blackjack can launch from small ships or remote locations, providing commanders with real-time surveillance and situational awareness. For military operators, this small but powerful UAS is a game-changer in tactical operations, combining endurance, range, and operational flexibility in one unmanned package.
3. AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven
Introduced: 2003
Wingspan: 4.5 ft (1.37 m)
Length: 3 ft (0.91 m)
Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
Engine: Aveox 27/26/7-AV electric motor
Cruising Speed: ~18.6 mph (30 km/h)
Range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Endurance: 60–90 minutes
The RQ-11 Raven is one of the US military’s most widely used drones, known for its portability and versatility. Developed by AeroVironment in the early 2000s, this compact UAV may have a short range of 6.2 miles (10 km), but its effectiveness in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions is unmatched.
Nearly 20,000 Ravens have been built to date. The US Army currently operates around 5,000 units, while the US Air Force fields over 3,000, primarily for real-time battlefield monitoring and tactical reconnaissance.
“The RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft system provides real-time direct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and target information for Air Force Security Forces. The Raven falls into the class of Air Force small UAS known as man-packable UAS.” – US Air Force
4. General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
Introduced: 2007
Crew: 0 onboard, 2 in ground station
Length: 36 ft 1 in (11 m)
Wingspan: 65 ft 7 in (20 m)
Height: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
Empty Weight: 4,901 lb (2,223 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 10,494 lb (4,760 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
Payload: 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)
Maximum Speed: 300 mph (482 km/h, 260 knots)
Cruise Speed: 194 mph (313 km/h, 169 knots)
Range: 1,200 mi (1,900 km, 1,000 NM)
Endurance: 27 hr
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,420 m)
The MQ-9 Reaper is a game-changing unmanned aircraft designed by General Atomics for the US Air Force. Unlike smaller drones, the Reaper is a high-performance, multipurpose UAV capable of long-endurance autonomous operations. Its Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine delivers 900 hp (671 kW) and features advanced Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) for precise performance.
Currently, the US Air Force operates 244 active MQ-9 Reapers, including 24 managed by the Air National Guard. Its combination of speed, payload, and endurance makes the MQ-9 Reaper a critical asset in modern aerial warfare, providing unmatched flexibility and firepower from the skies.
5. General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle
Introduced: 2009
Capacity: 360 kg (800 lb)
Length: 28 ft 0 in (8.53 m)
Wingspan: 56 ft 0 in (17 m)
Height: 6 ft 11 in (2.1 m)
Max Takeoff Weight: 3,600 lb (1,633 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Thielert Centurion 1.7 Heavy-Fuel Engine, 165 hp (123 kW)
Maximum Speed: 167 knots (192 mph, 309 km/h)
Endurance: 25 hours
Service Ceiling: 29,000 ft (8,839 m)
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a versatile, long-endurance UAV designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the US Army. As an upgraded version of the MQ-1 Predator, the Gray Eagle features a larger wingspan, a more powerful engine, and enhanced payload capabilities.
“Gray Eagle can carry multiple payloads including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors with laser designation, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), communications relay equipment, and up to four Hellfire missiles. It delivers unparalleled endurance, speed, and operational flexibility for the US Army.” – General Atomics
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