CH-5 Rainbow vs RQ-11 Raven
Overview
The CH-5 Rainbow and the RQ-11 Raven are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and AeroVironment respectively.
The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 5.1x the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 10 km for the RQ-11 Raven. The CH-5 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 4,500 m for the RQ-11 Raven. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 1650:1 the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $0.17M for the RQ-11 Raven. The RQ-11 Raven first flew 15 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (2000 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, renowned for extensive service since 1990s, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2003 |
| Number produced | 19000 units |
| Average unit price | $170K |
| 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 | 1.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 0.9 m |
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1.9 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
Loading analysis...
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 95 km/h, a difference of 385 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the RQ-11 Raven's 2 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven is longer at 0.9 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The CH-5 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the RQ-11 Raven at $0.2 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or RQ-11 Raven?
The RQ-11 Raven entered service first in 2003, 12 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.