CH-4 Rainbow vs RQ-7 Shadow
The CH-4 Rainbow and the RQ-7 Shadow are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and AAI Corporation respectively. The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 2.2x the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 109 km for the RQ-7 Shadow. The CH-4 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 4,600 m for the RQ-7 Shadow. At 1,330 kg MTOW, the CH-4 Rainbow is 7.8x the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg. Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $0.75M for the RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow first flew 19 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (1991 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 reconnaissance drone, integral to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognized for its surveillance and target acquisition roles. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AAI Corporation |
| First flight | 1 January 1991 |
| Year introduced | 2002 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
| Average unit price | $0.8 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 | -- kg |
| Wingspan | 3.9 m ◉ |
| Length | 3.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 109 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,600 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 170 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 86 kg |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 200 km/h, a difference of 235 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a longer range at 250 km compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 109 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 170 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the RQ-7 Shadow's 3.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The CH-4 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-7 Shadow at $0.8 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or RQ-7 Shadow?
The RQ-7 Shadow entered service first in 2002, 9 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.