CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper

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, notable for extensive use in Middle East conflicts since the 21st century.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $30 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 20.0 m â—‰
Length 11.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,850 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,760 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,223 kg
Profile drawing of General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h, a difference of 135 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 250 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,760 kg compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 1,330 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the CH-4 Rainbow's 8.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the CH-4 Rainbow at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 4 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.