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CH-5 Rainbow vs MQ-1 Predator

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-1 Predator
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Specifications
CH-5 Rainbow MQ-1 Predator
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC General Atomics
First flight 1 August 2015 3 July 1994
Year introduced 2015 1995
Number produced N/A 360 units
Average unit price $8 million $4 million
Wingspan 21.0 m 14.8 m
Length -- m 8.2 m
Maximum speed 480 km/h 217 km/h
Operational range 2,000 km 1,250 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg 1,020 kg
Empty weight 2,225 kg 512 kg
Performance Radar Chart

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 — 2.2:1 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 3.2:1 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).

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.