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CH-5 Rainbow vs IAI Heron

IAI Heron military drones side profile drawing
🇮🇱 IAI Heron
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Specifications
CH-5 Rainbow IAI Heron
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC IAI
First flight 1 August 2015 1 January 1994
Year introduced 2015 2005
Number produced N/A N/A
Average unit price $8 million $9.5 million
Wingspan 21.0 m 16.6 m
Length -- m 8.5 m
Maximum speed 480 km/h 207 km/h
Operational range 2,000 km 1,000 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 10,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg 1,270 kg
Empty weight 2,225 kg -- kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-5 Rainbow and the IAI Heron are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and IAI respectively.

The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 2.3:1 the IAI Heron's 207 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 1,000 km for the IAI Heron. The IAI Heron operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 9,000 m for the CH-5 Rainbow. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 2.6:1 the IAI Heron's 1,270 kg.

Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $9.5M for the IAI Heron. The IAI Heron first flew 21 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (1994 vs 2015).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the IAI Heron's 207 km/h, a difference of 273 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the IAI Heron's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The IAI Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the IAI Heron's 1,270 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The IAI Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The IAI Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the CH-5 Rainbow at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or IAI Heron?
The IAI Heron entered service first in 2005, 10 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.