CH-5 Rainbow vs Hermes 900

Chinese combat drone extensively deployed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC
First flight 1 August 2015
Year introduced 2015
Number produced None units
Average unit price $8 million
Israeli larger MALE drone, widely used around the world for reconnaissance.
Picture of Hermes 900
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Elbit
First flight 9 December 2009
Year introduced 2012
Number produced 200 units
Average unit price $6.8 million
Wingspan 21.0 m â—‰
Length -- m
Maximum speed 480 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,000 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Length 8.3 m
Maximum speed 220 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 9,100 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,400 kg â—‰
Empty weight 950 kg
Total thrust 1 x 160 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Elbit Hermes 900

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the Hermes 900's 220 km/h, a difference of 260 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the Hermes 900's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 has a higher service ceiling at 9,100 meters (29,855 ft) compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the Hermes 900's 1,400 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 is longer at 8.3 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The CH-5 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the Hermes 900 at $6.8 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or Hermes 900?
The Hermes 900 entered service first in 2012, 3 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.