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CH-5 Rainbow vs Hermes 900

Elbit Hermes 900 military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 Hermes 900
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Specifications
CH-5 Rainbow Hermes 900
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC Elbit
First flight 1 August 2015 9 December 2009
Year introduced 2015 2012
Number produced N/A 200 units
Average unit price $8 million $6.8 million
Wingspan 21.0 m 15.0 m
Length -- m 8.3 m
Maximum speed 480 km/h 220 km/h
Operational range 2,000 km 1,000 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 9,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg 1,400 kg
Empty weight 2,225 kg 950 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 160 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-5 Rainbow and the Hermes 900 are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and Elbit respectively.

The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 2.2:1 the Hermes 900's 220 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 1,000 km for the Hermes 900. The Hermes 900 operates at altitudes up to 9,100 m compared to 9,000 m for the CH-5 Rainbow. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 2.4:1 the Hermes 900's 1,400 kg.

Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $6.8M for the Hermes 900. The Hermes 900 first flew 6 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (2009 vs 2015).

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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 1,000 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.