CASC CH-4 Rainbow
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| First flight | 1 January 2010 |
| Year of introduction | 2011 |
| Number produced | units |
Description
The CH-4 Rainbow is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The Rainbow series, which includes the CH-4, is a representation of China's rapidly advancing drone technology and is reflective of Beijing's desire to compete in the global drone market, both militarily and commercially.
The CH-4 Rainbow was developed to fulfill a broad array of missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike missions. With its capability to carry munitions, the CH-4 emerged as China's response to other MALE UCAVs, most notably the American MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.
Design-wise, the CH-4 bears a conventional drone silhouette with a bulbous front and a V-tail. The aircraft is constructed mainly of composite materials. It has a hardpoint on each wing, allowing it to carry a mix of weapons and sensors. It's powered by a piston engine, driving a three-blade propeller, which provides the drone with the capability to loiter over targets for extended durations and provides it with the necessary power to carry munitions. In terms of avionics and sensors, the CH-4 is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar, electronic reconnaissance equipment, and an electro-optical targeting system that includes a laser designator for guided munitions.
One of the defining characteristics of the CH-4 is its strike capability. It can carry a variety of munitions, including the AR-1 air-to-ground missile, which is comparable to the U.S-made Hellfire missile, and FT-9 guided bombs.
The CH-4 has had notable operational deployments. Several countries have procured the CH-4 for their respective military needs, recognizing its multi-mission capabilities. Its employment in real-world scenarios has mostly been against non-state actors in conflict zones.
There are two primary versions of the CH-4:
- CH-4A: Primarily a reconnaissance drone equipped with surveillance equipment.
- CH-4B: This is the UCAV variant, designed to carry strike weapons in addition to its surveillance gear.
Technical specifications
| Version: CH-4 Rainbow | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 250 km (155 mi) |
| Endurance | 38 hours |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146 mph) |
| Wingspan | 18 m (59.1 ft) |
| Length | 8.5 m (27.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 7620 m (25000 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1330 kg (2932 lbs) |
| Powerplant | Piston engine |