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CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-1 Predator

CASC CH-4 Rainbow military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 CH-4 Rainbow
General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
Change comparison vs
Specifications
CH-4 Rainbow MQ-1 Predator
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC General Atomics
First flight 1 January 2010 3 July 1994
Year introduced 2011 1995
Number produced N/A 360 units
Average unit price $2 million $4 million
Wingspan 18.0 m 14.8 m
Length 8.5 m 8.2 m
Maximum speed 435 km/h 217 km/h
Operational range 250 km 1,250 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,330 kg 1,020 kg
Empty weight 1,600 kg 512 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-4 Rainbow and the MQ-1 Predator are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and General Atomics respectively.

The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 2.0x the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 1,250 km for the MQ-1 Predator. The CH-4 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 7,620 m for the MQ-1 Predator.

Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $4M for the MQ-1 Predator. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 16 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (1994 vs 2010).

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.