Unmanned Fighter
CASC CH-7 Rainbow-7
The CASC CH-7 Rainbow-7 is a Chinese flying-wing stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed by the 11th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is a technology demonstrator in flight test, with no confirmed operator.
China|CASC (CASC 11th Academy)Overview
CASC’s 11th Academy, maker of the CH-series Rainbow drones, designed the CH-7. A model was shown at Airshow China in Zhuhai in 2018, and the real aircraft was unveiled in 2022, reportedly after a first flight in 2021, though official details are scarce. It is a tailless low-observable flying wing with a dorsal air intake and a single turbofan of unidentified type. Rough figures from Chinese state media, not independently verified, are a 22 m wingspan, 10 m length and take-off weight up to 13 tonnes.
Claimed speed is high-subsonic, around 800 km/h, with endurance up to 15 hours and a ceiling of about 15,000 m. The 10,000 km range is a disputed state-media figure. An internal weapons bay reportedly carries around 1 tonne for ISR and strike missions and for loyal-wingman work with manned fighters. As of 2026 it is a demonstrator, with no confirmed operator or serial production, and service-entry claims are unverified. The GJ-11 Sharp Sword is the more mature Chinese combat drone. Price is not disclosed.
Key Specifications
Variants
The CH-7 prototype refers to the early model and demonstrator shown to the public.
The CH-7 flight test version is the aircraft reported to be undergoing trials.
The CH-7 series version is the possible production standard, which is unconfirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CH-7 cost?
No price has been disclosed for the CASC CH-7 Rainbow-7, and there is no verified estimate. It is still a demonstrator in flight test, with no confirmed serial production.
How fast is the CH-7 drone?
The CASC CH-7 has a claimed speed of about 800 km/h, which is high subsonic and some reports put at Mach 0.8 or more. These figures come from Chinese state media and are not independently verified.
Is the CH-7 stealth?
The CASC CH-7 is designed to be low observable, with a flying-wing layout and a hidden air intake. Its real stealth performance is unknown and has not been verified.
CH-7 vs Bayraktar Kızılelma: which is better?
The Bayraktar Kızılelma is in series production, while the CASC CH-7 is still a demonstrator. Both are jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft, but the CH-7 is a larger flying wing and its figures are unverified.
Which countries use the CH-7?
No country has been confirmed as an operator of the CASC CH-7 Rainbow-7. China may field it with the PLA Air Force or Navy, but no official statement has been made.
What weapons does the CH-7 carry?
The CASC CH-7 is expected to carry precision bombs and missiles in internal bays, with a payload of around 1 tonne. No verified loadout has been published.
