CH-4 Rainbow vs Switchblade 300
The CH-4 Rainbow and the Switchblade 300 are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and AeroVironment respectively. The CH-4 Rainbow reaches 435 km/h — 2.7x the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h. The CH-4 Rainbow has an operational range of 250 km vs 10 km for the Switchblade 300. At 1,330 kg MTOW, the CH-4 Rainbow is 222:1 the Switchblade 300's 6 kg. The CH-4 Rainbow first flew 1 years before the Switchblade 300 (2010 vs 2011).
| 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 man-portable loitering munition, introduced in the early 2010s, used for precision strikes against personnel and light vehicles in various global conflicts. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2011 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | 4000 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 | -- m |
| Length | 0.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-4 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 435 km/h compared to the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h, a difference of 275 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a longer range at 250 km compared to the Switchblade 300's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the Switchblade 300's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-4 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,330 kg compared to the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-4 Rainbow is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Switchblade 300's 0.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the CH-4 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 entered service first in 2011, 0 years before the CH-4 Rainbow which entered service in 2011.