UAV / UCAV
CH-5 Rainbow
The CH-5 Rainbow is a Chinese armed medium-altitude long-endurance drone built by CAAA, part of CASC, and first flown around 2015. It is marketed as a cheaper alternative to the MQ-9 Reaper, with endurance claimed at up to 60 hours.
China|CASC (China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, CAAA)What Is the CH-5 Rainbow? Overview, History and Development
The CH-5 is the largest of the Rainbow family, which also includes the CH-3 and CH-4. It first flew around August 2015 and was unveiled at Zhuhai in 2016. The twin-tail drone has a rear pusher piston engine, a wingspan of about 21 m, and a maximum takeoff weight near 3,300 kg. Manufacturer claims include a payload of about 1,200 kg, endurance up to 60 hours and a ceiling of about 7,000 m.
It has up to six hardpoints for weapons such as the AR-1, AR-2 and FT-9, and satellite links extend control beyond line of sight at about 250 km. China’s air force is reported to use it, and a first foreign buyer was reported in 2023, unnamed. Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are linked with the CH family, but CH-5 operators are not confirmed. It competes with the MQ-9 and Wing Loong II.
CH-5 Rainbow Specifications: Endurance, Range, Payload and Sensors
CH-5 Rainbow Variants and Versions Compared
The base production model of the large Rainbow drone, unveiled publicly at Zhuhai Airshow 2016.
A designation seen in the CH-5 family for improved production standards, with details not published.
A further designation listed for the CH-5 line, with specifications that have not been officially released.
Which Countries Use the CH-5 Rainbow? Operators and Users
China
Iraq
Egypt
Saudi ArabiaCH-5 Rainbow FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the CH-5 drone cost?
The CH-5 Rainbow costs about US$3–6 million per aircraft, according to commonly cited estimates. Exact contract prices are not public, but it is positioned as a cheaper alternative to the roughly US$30 million MQ-9 Reaper.
How long can the CH-5 fly?
The CH-5 Rainbow can fly for up to 60 hours, according to manufacturer claims, with a ceiling of about 7,000 m. It cruises at 180 to 230 km/h and carries about 1,200 kg of payload, though these are not independently verified.
Which countries use the CH-5?
The CH-5 is used by China, and its air force is reported as a user. Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are linked to the wider CH drone family, but their CH-5 status is unconfirmed, and a first foreign buyer was reported in 2023.
CH-5 vs MQ-9 Reaper: which is better?
The MQ-9 Reaper has a proven combat record and better sensors, while the CH-5 is cheaper, with similar claimed payload and longer claimed endurance. The CH-5’s performance claims come from the manufacturer and are not independently verified.
Is the CH-5 Rainbow stealthy?
The CH-5 Rainbow is not stealthy. It has a conventional twin-tail design with a rear piston engine, and its large size and slow speed make it detectable by modern air defences.
Has the CH-5 been used in combat?
The CH-5 has limited or undocumented combat use. The related CH-4 has been used in Iraq and the Middle East, but no CH-5 use in Ukraine is confirmed, and CH-5 operations in other conflicts are not documented.