CH-4 Rainbow UAV

Brand: China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 235 km/h
Endurance 30 hours
Operational Range 2,000 km
Payload Capacity 345 kg

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Armed Reconnaissance / Strike UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2011 / 2014
Status	In Service / Exported
Unit Cost	USD 4–6 Million (Approx.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	235 km/h
Cruise Speed	180 km/h
Operational Range	2,000 km
Endurance	30 hours
Service Ceiling	26,000 ft
Rate of Climb	5 m/s

3. Dimensions

Length	8.5 m
Wingspan	18 m
Height	2.5 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	1,330 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	345 kg
Hardpoints	4
Weapons	AR-1 Missiles, FT-5 Guided Bombs
Sensors	EO/IR Sensor, SAR, Laser Designator
Avionics	GPS/INS, Data Link, Targeting Pod

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Piston Engine (Pusher Propeller)
Engine Power	100 hp
Propeller Type	3-Blade Propeller

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	250 km LOS / Satellite Beyond LOS
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Mobile or Fixed Facility

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	China, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Iraq, Yemen

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Long endurance and range for ISR missions
Capable of precision strike operations
Affordable export option for developing nations
Satellite link for beyond-line-of-sight control
Proven combat record in Middle East operations

CONS

Less reliable than Western UAVs
Limited payload compared to MQ-9 Reaper
Restricted operational ceiling
Moderate sensor performance
Vulnerable to electronic jamming

CH-4 Rainbow: China’s Combat-Proven Armed Drone

The CASC CH-4 “Rainbow” is one of China’s most successful medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Introduced in the early 2010s, the CH-4 has become a cornerstone of China’s growing UAV export market, offering a cost-effective counterpart to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator.

Design and Capabilities

Built for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions, the CH-4 features a slender fuselage, long wingspan, and pusher-propeller configuration for endurance and stability. It comes in two main variants — CH-4A (unarmed ISR) and CH-4B (armed reconnaissance). The CH-4B can carry up to 345 kg of munitions across four hardpoints, including AR-1 laser-guided missiles and FT-series precision bombs.

With an operational range of 2,000 km and an endurance of up to 30 hours, the CH-4 provides extended loiter time for sustained battlefield presence. Its electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and satellite communication systems enable real-time intelligence transmission and strike coordination.

Operational History

The CH-4 has been exported widely, serving in the air forces of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan. It has seen combat use in Iraq and Yemen, where it conducted counterterrorism and border surveillance missions. Although praised for affordability and ease of maintenance, the CH-4 has faced criticism for limited reliability and control range compared to Western UAVs.

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