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CH-5 Rainbow vs MQ-9 Reaper

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MQ-9 Reaper
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Specifications
CH-5 Rainbow MQ-9 Reaper
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Drones
Manufacturer CASC General Atomics
First flight 1 August 2015 1 February 2001
Year introduced 2015 2007
Number produced N/A 300 units
Average unit price $8 million $30 million
Wingspan 21.0 m 20.0 m
Length -- m 11.0 m
Maximum speed 480 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 2,000 km 1,850 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,300 kg 4,760 kg
Empty weight 2,225 kg 2,223 kg
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The CH-5 Rainbow and the MQ-9 Reaper are both Military Drones, manufactured by CASC and General Atomics respectively.

Top speed is 480 km/h for the CH-5 Rainbow vs 300 km/h for the MQ-9 Reaper. The CH-5 Rainbow has an operational range of 2,000 km vs 1,850 km for the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 9,000 m for the CH-5 Rainbow.

Unit cost is $8M for the CH-5 Rainbow vs $30M for the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper first flew 14 years before the CH-5 Rainbow (2001 vs 2015).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The CH-5 Rainbow is faster with a maximum speed of 480 km/h compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 300 km/h, a difference of 180 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The CH-5 Rainbow has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the MQ-9 Reaper's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,760 kg compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 3,300 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is longer at 11.0 meters compared to the CH-5 Rainbow's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the CH-5 Rainbow at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-5 Rainbow or MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper entered service first in 2007, 8 years before the CH-5 Rainbow which entered service in 2015.