CH-7 Rainbow
Summary
| Category | Military Drones |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Manufacturer | CASC |
| First flight | 1 January 2019 |
| Year introduced | 2022 |
Technical specifications
| Version: CH-7 | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 2,000 km (1,243 mi) |
| Endurance | 15 hours |
| Maximum speed | 920 km/h (572 mph) |
| Wingspan | 22 m (72.2 ft) |
| Length | 10 m (32.8 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13,000 m (42,651 ft) |
All operators
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Anti-Radiation CH-7 ARM
- Air-to-Surface Standoff Weapons
Description
The CH-7 is a stealth flying wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The aircraft features a 22-meter wingspan and a 10-meter length, utilizing an aerodynamic configuration similar to the X-47B. It is designed to operate at altitudes of 13,000 meters and reaches a maximum speed of 920 km/h. The platform has a 15-hour endurance and an operational radius of 2,000 km.
The CH-7 is designed to intercept electronic radar signals and simultaneously detect, verify, and monitor targets such as command stations, naval vessels, and missile launch sites. For combat operations, the aircraft carries anti-radiation missiles and standoff weapons.
Development plans originally scheduled the aircraft's maiden flight for 2019, with production intended to commence in 2022. A live airframe was observed in 2024.