CH-5 Rainbow vs ScanEagle
The CH-5 Rainbow and the ScanEagle are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and Boeing Insitu respectively. The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 3.2x the ScanEagle's 148 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 100 km for the ScanEagle. The CH-5 Rainbow operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 5,944 m for the ScanEagle. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 150:1 the ScanEagle's 22 kg. Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $3M for the ScanEagle. The ScanEagle 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 vehicle, operational since 2005, notable for surveillance in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Insitu |
| First flight | 1 January 2000 |
| Year introduced | 2005 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $3 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 | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 1.6 m |
| Maximum speed | 148 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,944 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 22 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 13 kg |
| Total thrust | 1 x 1 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the ScanEagle's 148 km/h, a difference of 332 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the ScanEagle's 100 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the ScanEagle's 5,944 meters (19,501 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the ScanEagle's 22 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle is longer at 1.6 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The CH-5 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the ScanEagle at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or ScanEagle?
The ScanEagle entered service first in 2005, 10 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.