CH-5 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper

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, notable for extensive use in Middle East conflicts since the 21st century.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer General Atomics
First flight 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $30 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 20.0 m â—‰
Length 11.0 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,850 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,760 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,223 kg
Profile drawing of General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h, a difference of 180 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,760 kg compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 3,300 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the CH-5 Rainbow at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 8 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.