CH-4 Rainbow vs Geran-2
Overview
The CH-4 Rainbow and the Geran-2 are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and IEMZ Kupol respectively.
The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 2.4x the Geran-2's 185 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 2,500 km for the Geran-2. At 1,330 kg MTOW, the CH-4 Rainbow is 5.5x the Geran-2's 240 kg.
Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $0.03M for the Geran-2.
| Chinese unmanned combat aerial vehicle, significant for deployments in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, utilized extensively for surveillance and strike missions. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | CASC |
| First flight | 1 January 2010 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| Russian-produced version of the Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drone, built at the Alabuga (Yelabuga) plant and used at scale against Ukraine since 2022. | |
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | IEMZ Kupol |
| First flight | -- |
| Year introduced | 2022 |
| Number produced | 26000 units |
| Average unit price | $30K |
| Wingspan | 18.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 435 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 250 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,330 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,600 kg |
| Wingspan | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 240 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
Loading analysis...
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the Geran-2's 185 km/h, a difference of 250 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The Geran-2 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 250 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the Geran-2's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the Geran-2's 240 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Geran-2's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the Geran-2 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or Geran-2?
The CH-4 Rainbow entered service first in 2011, 11 years before the Geran-2 which entered service in 2022.