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CH-5 Rainbow vs Wing Loong I

CH-5 Rainbow vs Wing Loong I at a glance — top speed 480 vs 280 km/h, range 2,000 vs 4,000 km, max takeoff weight 3,300 vs 1,100 kg.

Chengdu Wing Loong I military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Wing Loong I
Specifications
CH-5 Rainbow Wing Loong I
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC Chengdu
First flight 1 August 2015 1 January 2009
Year introduced 2015 2011
Number produced N/A 60 units
Average unit price $8 million $1 million
Wingspan 21.0 m 14.0 m
Height -- m 2.8 m
Length -- m 9.1 m
Maximum speed 480 km/h 280 km/h
Operational range 2,000 km 4,000 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 5,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg 1,100 kg
Empty weight 2,225 kg -- kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 75 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the Wing Loong I's 280 km/h, a difference of 200 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The Wing Loong I has a longer range at 4,000 km compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 2,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the Wing Loong I's 5,000 meters (16,404 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,300 kg compared to the Wing Loong I's 1,100 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The Wing Loong I is longer at 9.1 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The CH-5 Rainbow is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the Wing Loong I at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or Wing Loong I?
The Wing Loong I entered service first in 2011, 4 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.