CH-5 Rainbow vs Hermes 900
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 — 2.2x 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 2.4x 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).
| 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 | N/A |
| Average unit price | $8 million |
| Israeli larger MALE drone, widely used around the world for reconnaissance. | |
| 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 ◉ |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | 480 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 3,300 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 2,225 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 15.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.3 m |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,100 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,400 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 950 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 160 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.