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CH-4 Rainbow vs Hermes 900

CASC CH-4 Rainbow military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 CH-4 Rainbow
Elbit Hermes 900 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 Hermes 900
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Specifications
CH-4 Rainbow Hermes 900
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC Elbit
First flight 1 January 2010 9 December 2009
Year introduced 2011 2012
Number produced N/A 200 units
Average unit price $2 million $6.8 million
Wingspan 18.0 m 15.0 m
Length 8.5 m 8.3 m
Maximum speed 435 km/h 220 km/h
Operational range 250 km 1,000 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 9,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,330 kg 1,400 kg
Empty weight 1,600 kg 950 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 160 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-4 Rainbow and the Hermes 900 are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and Elbit respectively.

Top speed is 435 km/h for the CH-4 Rainbow vs 220 km/h for the Hermes 900. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 1,000 km for the Hermes 900. The Hermes 900 operates at altitudes up to 9,100 m compared to 7,620 m for the CH-4 Rainbow.

Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $6.8M for the Hermes 900. The Hermes 900 first flew 1 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (2009 vs 2010).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the Hermes 900's 220 km/h, a difference of 215 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 250 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 has a higher service ceiling at 9,100 meters (29,855 ft) compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,400 kg compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 1,330 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Hermes 900's 8.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 is more expensive at approximately $6.8 million per unit compared to the CH-4 Rainbow at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-4 Rainbow entered service first in 2011, 1 years before the Hermes 900 which entered service in 2012.