CH-5 Rainbow vs Switchblade 300
The CH-5 Rainbow and the Switchblade 300 are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and AeroVironment respectively. The CH-5 Rainbow reaches 480 km/h — 3.0x the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 10 km for the Switchblade 300. At 3,300 kg MTOW, the CH-5 Rainbow is 550:1 the Switchblade 300's 6 kg. The Switchblade 300 first flew 4 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (2011 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 man-portable loitering munition, introduced in the early 2010s, used for precision strikes against personnel and light vehicles in various global conflicts. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Drones |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
| First flight | 1 January 2011 |
| Year introduced | 2011 |
| Number produced | 4000 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Length | 0.5 m |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 10 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 6 kg ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the Switchblade 300's 160 km/h, a difference of 320 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the Switchblade 300's 10 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the Switchblade 300's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the Switchblade 300's 6 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 is longer at 0.5 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or Switchblade 300?
The Switchblade 300 entered service first in 2011, 4 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.