CH-5 Rainbow vs MQ-1 Predator
Overview
The CH-5 Rainbow and the MQ-1 Predator are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and General Atomics respectively.
The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 2.2x the MQ-1 Predator's 217 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 1,250 km for the MQ-1 Predator. The CH-5 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the MQ-1 Predator. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 3.2x the MQ-1 Predator's 1,020 kg.
Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $4M for the MQ-1 Predator. The MQ-1 Predator first flew 21 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (1994 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 |
| 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 ◉ |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.2 m |
| Maximum speed | 217 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,250 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,020 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 512 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.