CH-5 Rainbow vs KUS-FS

Overview

The CH-5 Rainbow and the KUS-FS are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and Korean Air respectively.

Top speed is 480 km/h for the CH-5 Rainbow vs 360 km/h for the KUS-FS. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 500 km for the KUS-FS. The KUS-FS operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 9,000 m for the CH-5 Rainbow.

The KUS-FS first flew 3 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (2012 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
South Korean medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the early 21st century, designed for strategic surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Origin country 🇰🇷 South Korea
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Korean Air
First flight 1 January 2012
Year introduced 2025
Number produced N/A
Average unit price --
Wingspan 21.0 m
Height -- 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
Total thrust 0
Wingspan 25.0 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 13.0 m
Maximum speed 360 km/h
Operational range 500 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,750 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 1 x 890 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the KUS-FS's 360 km/h, a difference of 120 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the KUS-FS's 500 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The KUS-FS has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The KUS-FS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,750 kg compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 3,300 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The KUS-FS is longer at 13.0 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or KUS-FS?
The CH-5 Rainbow entered service first in 2015, 10 years before the KUS-FS which entered service in 2025.