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CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper

CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper at a glance — top speed 435 vs 300 km/h, range 250 vs 1,850 km, max takeoff weight 1,330 vs 4,760 kg.

CASC CH-4 Rainbow military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 CH-4 Rainbow
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-9 Reaper
Specifications
CH-4 Rainbow MQ-9 Reaper
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC General Atomics
First flight 1 January 2010 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2011 2007
Number produced N/A 300 units
Average unit price $2 million $30 million
Wingspan 18.0 m 20.0 m
Length 8.5 m 11.0 m
Maximum speed 435 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 250 km 1,850 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,330 kg 4,760 kg
Empty weight 1,600 kg 2,223 kg
Performance Radar Chart
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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.