CASC CH-5 Rainbow
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| First flight | 1 August 2015 |
| Year of introduction | 2015 |
| Number produced | units |
Description
The CH-5, also known as the Rainbow-5, is an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It's a part of China's CH series drones, which have been widely exported and have played significant roles in various regional conflicts.
The CH series began as an initiative by Chinese aerospace entities to create a family of drones ranging from small reconnaissance UAVs to larger UCAVs. The CH-5, in particular, was developed to be a more capable and extended range UCAV in this lineup. It was designed to capitalize on the increasing global demand for drones that could perform both reconnaissance and strike missions.
The CH-5 has a design reminiscent of other similar MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UCAVs, such as the MQ-9 Reaper. It features a bulbous nose, V-tail, and under-wing hardpoints for munitions. The drone is powered by a single turboprop engine, which provides it with the thrust needed to carry its various payloads and munitions over extended distances. The CH-5's avionics suite is presumed to be advanced, given its role, though specific details are often kept under wraps due to military confidentiality. The aircraft is equipped with various sensors, including electro-optical and infrared systems, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and signals intelligence equipment.
The CH-5 can be armed with a variety of munitions. This includes air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, and other precision-guided munitions, making it a formidable UCAV for strike missions.
The exact operational history of the CH-5 is not entirely transparent given China's relatively closed disclosure of military operations. However, it's known that the CH series drones, including presumably the CH-5, have been exported to various countries and have seen combat in regional conflicts. Several reports suggest that CH drones have been used in areas such as the Middle East and North Africa.
The CH-5 is the primary version of this specific model in the CH series. While there are other variants in the CH lineup (e.g., CH-3, CH-4), the CH-5 stands out as the most advanced and capable in terms of range, payload, and endurance.
Technical specifications
| Version: CH-5 Rainbow | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 2000 km (1243 mi) |
| Endurance | 60 hours |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h (186 mph) |
| Wingspan | 21 m (68.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 9000 m (29528 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 3300 kg (7275 lbs) |
| Powerplant | Single turboprop engine |