General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian vs Baykar Bayraktar Akinci
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Baykar Bayraktar Akinci are both uav / drone, compared here on public specifications. The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian leads on weapons payload (2,155 vs 1,500 kg).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Wins 7/8 |  Baykar Bayraktar Akinci
Wins 1/8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 390 km/h | 444 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 313 km/h ✓ | 278 km/h |
| Range (km) | 6,000 km | 6,000 km |
| Service ceiling (m) | 12,200 m ✓ | 12,192 m |
| Endurance (h) | 40 h ✓ | 24 h |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 9 ✓ | 6 |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 2,155 kg ✓ | 1,500 kg |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 11.7 m | 12.3 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 2,223 kg | 3,300 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 5,670 kg | 6,000 kg |
| Crew | 0 | 0 |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $25,000,000 ✓ | $30,000,000 |
| Units built | 60 | 60 |
| Operator countries | 6 ✓ | 5 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Baykar Bayraktar Akinci? +
The Baykar Bayraktar Akinci is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 444 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian has the longest range at 6,000 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian carries the largest weapons payload at 2,155 kg.
Which is cheaper? +
The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian has the lower public unit-cost figure at 25,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Is the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian better than the Baykar Bayraktar Akinci? +
On the public specs we track, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Baykar Bayraktar Akinci are closely matched, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian leads on weapons payload, while Baykar Bayraktar Akinci leads on max speed. See the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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