American military drones are classified into 5 groups, according to their size, weight and functions. Find out more about their technical characteristics and uses.

The military drones used by the US military are classified into five groups, defined by their weight, range and maximum altitude. These groups range from small, portable drones for short-range reconnaissance (Group 1) to large UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) capable of reaching high altitudes and long ranges (Group 5). These UAVs are used not only for reconnaissance, but also for transport and attack, some being equipped with powerful weapons systems.

Group 1: the smallest UAVs

The UAVs in this group weigh less than 9 kg (20 pounds) and are generally hand-launched, making them easily transportable and usable for short-range reconnaissance missions. A key example is the RQ-11 Raven, in use since 2004 by the US Army. This drone, just 91 cm long with a wingspan of 1.37 m, can fly at altitudes of less than 370 m and at speeds of less than 185 km/h. It is equipped with infrared cameras and can monitor a distance of up to 10 km. Its ability to fly for around 75 minutes makes it ideal for discreet surveillance missions.

These drones are used in environments where discretion and speed are essential. Their small size and portability mean they can be carried in rucksacks, making them easy to use by small units in hostile or urban environments.

Group 2: catapulted drones for surveillance

The second group of drones can weigh up to 25 kg (55 pounds) and fly at higher altitudes, up to 1067 metres. These drones, like the ScanEagle, are equipped with advanced surveillance systems. The ScanEagle, for example, has a wingspan of 3.11 metres and can carry up to 5 kg of surveillance equipment. It is capable of flying at a maximum altitude of 3500 feet (approximately 1067 metres) and is often launched using a catapult for long-duration reconnaissance missions.

These drones are used to provide real-time information to troops on the ground and are essential in operations where visibility is reduced. Their ability to remain airborne for long periods, often more than 24 hours, makes them highly effective intelligence tools.

Group 3: Intermediate-size UAVs

The drones in this group can weigh up to 600 kg** (1320 lbs) and fly at altitudes of up to 5486 metres** (18,000 feet). The RQ-7B Shadow is an example of a drone in this group, used for advanced reconnaissance missions. With a wingspan of 6.2 metres, it can fly for hours, relaying critical information to the armed forces. The Shadow is also equipped with sophisticated communications systems that enable it to coordinate artillery strikes or provide real-time images to command centres.

Drones of this type can cost several million euros, not least because of the advanced electronic equipment they carry. Their launch systems, often hydraulic or pneumatic, enable them to be deployed rapidly on the battlefield.

Group 4: heavy, armed UAVs

Group 4 UAVs weigh more than 600 kg** and fly at altitudes of less than 5486 metres**. A key model in this group is the *MQ-1B Predator*, which weighs around *1020 kg* and has a wingspan of 16.8 metres. This drone, originally designed for reconnaissance, is also capable of carrying weapons, including Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, providing a direct attack capability. Its 115-horsepower Rotax engine** enables it to fly at speeds of up to 290 km/h, and it can remain airborne for more than 24 hours.

This group of UAVs plays an essential role in surveillance, reconnaissance and precision attack missions, offering armed forces operational flexibility. Their ability to fly at high altitude while carrying weapons makes them versatile tools for offensive missions.

Group 5: the largest military UAVs

Group 5 drones are the largest and most sophisticated. These models, like the RQ-4 Global Hawk, weigh more than 10 tonnes and are used for long-duration missions, often at altitudes of 18,000 metres (60,000 feet). The Global Hawk has a wingspan of 39.9 metres and is powered by a 34-kN turbofan engine. It can cover distances of more than 22,000 km**, making surveillance missions covering vast geographical areas possible.

These drones are equipped with highly advanced surveillance systems, such as SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) sensors and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) radars, capable of providing high-resolution images in real time, even through clouds or in low-visibility conditions.

The use of military drones by the US armed forces is transforming the way military operations are conducted. Not only do drones make it possible to gather intelligence in real time, they also reduce the risks to soldiers by enabling precision strikes from a distance. Group 4 and 5 heavy UAVs, in particular, offer unrivalled attack and reconnaissance capabilities, while remaining relatively autonomous for long periods.

The evolution of this technology will continue to influence global military strategy. The development of hybrid models, such as the MQ-NEXT, shows that drones will play a central role in future military operations, for both surveillance and targeted strikes.

Want to fly a fighter jet ? Get in touch.