CH-4 Rainbow vs ScanEagle
The CH-4 Rainbow and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and Boeing Insitu respectively. The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 2.9x the ScanEagle's 148 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The CH-4 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. At 1,330 kg MTOW, the CH-4 Rainbow is 60:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg. Unit cost is $2M for the CH-4 Rainbow vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The ScanEagle first flew 10 years before the CH-4 Rainbow (2000 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 unmanned vehicle, operational since 2005, notable for surveillance in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Insitu |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $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 ◉ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 148 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,944 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 22 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 13 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 1 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 287 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a longer range at 250 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the ScanEagle's 1.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the CH-4 Rainbow at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle entered service first in 2005, 6 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.