CH-5 Rainbow vs MQ-1 Predator

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
American unmanned aerial vehicle, operational since 1995, notable for its use in major conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 3 July 1994
Year introduced 1995
Number produced 360 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wingspan 21.0 m â—‰
Length -- m
Maximum speed 480 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Wingspan 14.8 m â—‰
Length 8.2 m
Maximum speed 217 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,250 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,020 kg â—‰
Empty weight 512 kg
Profile drawing of General Atomics MQ-1 Predator

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h, a difference of 263 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator is longer at 8.2 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The CH-5 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the MQ-1 Predator at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-1 Predator?
The MQ-1 Predator entered service first in 1995, 20 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.