CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-1 Predator

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 None units
Average unit price $2 million
American unmanned aerial vehicle, operational since 1995, notable for its use in major conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 3 July 1994
Year introduced 1995
Number produced 360 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wingspan 18.0 m â—‰
Length 8.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 435 km/h â—‰
Operational range 250 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,330 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Profile drawing of CASC CH-4 Rainbow
Wingspan 14.8 m â—‰
Length 8.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 217 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,250 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg â—‰
Empty weight 512 kg
Profile drawing of General Atomics MQ-1 Predator

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h, a difference of 218 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator has a longer range at 1,250 km compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 250 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 8.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the CH-4 Rainbow at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 16 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.