CH-4 Rainbow vs RQ-20 Puma
The CH-4 Rainbow and the RQ-20 Puma are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and AeroVironment respectively. The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 5.2x the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 15 km for the RQ-20 Puma. The CH-4 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 3,200 m for the RQ-20 Puma. At 1,330 kg MTOW, the CH-4 Rainbow is 222:1 the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg. Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $0.25M for the RQ-20 Puma. The RQ-20 Puma first flew 3 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (2007 vs 2010).
| 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 | N/A |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| American battery-powered, small hand-launched unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and intelligence gathering. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2007 |
| Year introduced | 2008 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $0.3 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 2.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 83 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 15 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 3,200 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 83 km/h, a difference of 352 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a longer range at 250 km compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 15 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the RQ-20 Puma's 1.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The CH-4 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-20 Puma at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-20 Puma?
The RQ-20 Puma entered service first in 2008, 3 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.