CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper
Overview
The CH-4 Rainbow and the MQ-9 Reaper are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and General Atomics respectively.
Top speed is 435 km/h for the CH-4 Rainbow vs 300 km/h for the MQ-9 Reaper. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 1,850 km for the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the CH-4 Rainbow. At 4,760 kg MTOW, the MQ-9 Reaper is 3.6x the CH-4 Rainbow's 1,330 kg.
Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $30M for the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper first flew 9 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (2001 vs 2010).
| Chinese unmanned combat aerial vehicle, significant for deployments in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, utilized extensively for surveillance and strike missions. | |
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| 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 |
| American unmanned aerial vehicle, notable for extensive use in Middle East conflicts since the 21st century. | |
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| 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 ◉ |
| 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 | 20.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,850 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 4,760 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2,223 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.