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CH-4 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper

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
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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

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).

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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.