Wikipedia

CASC Rainbow: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Updated sentences, along with major changes of grammar, and punctuation within sentences. Removed double spaces from some starting sentences.
m v2.05b - Bot T20 CW#61 - Fix errors for CW project (Reference before punctuation)
 
(22 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1:
{{Short description|Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle series}}
'''CASC Rainbow''' ({{Zh|c=彩虹|p=cǎihóng}}), abbreviated asabbreviation '''CH''',) is a series of [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs) developedmarketed by the [[China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics]] within the [[China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation]] (CASC),. alsoThe knownseries asincludes themulti-role 11th[[medium-altitude Academylong-endurance of CASCUAV]]s<ref name="janes_ch4_20210127">{{Citecite web |title=Pakistan receives five CH-4 UAVs from China |url=httphttps://todaywww.hitjanes.edu.cncom/uploadfiles/2013osint-insights/7defence-11news/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E8%88%AA%E5%A4%A9%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80%E9%9B%86%E5%9B%A2%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E7%AC%AC%E5%8D%81%E4%B8%80%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E9%99%A2.pdfpakistan-receives-five-ch-4-uavs-from-china |website=Janes |date=August27 21,January 2021 2014|titleaccess-date=中国航天科技集团公司第十一研究院|language=chinese4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2014082100050220240714234751/httphttps://todaywww.hitjanes.edu.cncom/uploadfiles/2013osint-insights/7defence-11news/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E8%88%AA%E5%A4%A9%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80%E9%9B%86%E5%9B%A2%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E7%AC%AC%E5%8D%81%E4%B8%80%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E9%99%A2.pdfpakistan-receives-five-ch-4-uavs-from-china |archive-date=2014-08-2114 July 2024}}</ref> orand 701st[[micro Researchair Institutevehicle]]s (MAV).<ref name="janes_ch817_20211001"/> The UAVs are produced by CASC's [[China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics]] (CAAA).{{sfn|Wood|Stewart|2019|pp=84-85}}
[[File:CH-5_at_Airshow_China_Zhuhai_2022.jpg|thumb]]
 
== Variants Series==
{{Advert section|date=October 2022}}
===CH-1===
The '''CH-1''' is a small fixed-wing reconnaissance UAV.<ref name="cd_2016">{{cite web |author=Zhao Lei |title=Nation's drones are in demand |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-04/21/content_24710359.htm |website=China Daily |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>{{better source needed |date=December 2024}} Development started in 2000.{{sfn|Wood|Stewart|2019|p=45}}
The CH-1 is the first of the Rainbow (CH) series [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]]. The general designer was Mr. Shi Wen (石文), who is also the general designer of the CH-2, the successor of the CH-1, CASC PW-1, the derivative of the CH-1, and CASC PW-2, the derivative of the CH-2. The CH-1 program began in 2000, and resulted in the establishment of the UAV program, which led to other following designs. The CH-1 is intended mainly for [[reconnaissance]] and [[surveillance]] missions.<ref name="CH">{{cite web | url=http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163.html | title=Rainbow (CH) UAVs | access-date=2012-11-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127164533/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163.html | archive-date=2013-01-27 }}</ref>
 
'''Specifications:'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.htanwang.com/productview.aspx?id=30 |title=CH-1 |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131121041306/http://www.htanwang.com/productview.aspx?id=30 |archive-date=2013-11-21 }}</ref>
*Wingspan (m): 4.4
*Length (m): 3.75
*Height (m): 0.87
*Weight (kg): 40
*Payload (kg): 4.5
*Fuel (kg): 26
*Max speed (km/h): 170
*Cruise speed (km/h): 120 – 150
*Normal radius (km): > 100
*Normal operating altitude (km): 1 – 3
*Ceiling (km): 4.6
*Max range (km): 740 @ 1&nbsp;km altitude and 124&nbsp;km/h speed
*Endurance (h): 6
*Rate of climb (m/s): 4.3
*Turn radius (m): 290
*g overload: - 1.5 to 3
*Launch: rocket assisted, and catapult mounted on vehicle
*Recovery: parachute
*Max wind scale allowed for operation: 5
 
===CH-2===
The '''CH-2''' is a small fixed-wing reconnaissance UAV.<ref name="cd_2016">{{cite web |author=Zhao Lei |title=Nation's drones are in demand |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-04/21/content_24710359.htm |website=China Daily |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>{{better source needed |date=December 2024}}
The CH-2 is the second of the Rainbow (CH) series UAVs and is a development of the earlier CH-1, with identical [[twin boom|twin-boom]] layout. Like the CH-1, propulsion is provided by a two-blade [[propeller]] driven by a [[pusher configuration|pusher engine]] mounted at the rear end of the [[fuselage]]. The UAV is launched via a vehicle mounted catapult with rocket-assisted take-off.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://military.people.com.cn/GB/42967/10050115.html |title=CH-2 |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612195334/http://military.people.com.cn/GB/42967/10050115.html |archive-date=2015-06-12 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cd.qq.com/a/20100701/003864.htm|title=中国无人攻击机曝光 亚洲某国已大批购买_新闻滚动_大成网_腾讯网|access-date=2013-11-21|archive-date=2013-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216191311/http://cd.qq.com/a/20100701/003864.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The CH-2 is mainly intended for [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|reconnaissance and surveillance]] missions.<ref name="CH"/>
 
===CH-3===
The '''CH-3''' is a fixed-wing [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV).<ref name="janes_ch3_20201014">{{cite web |title=Nigeria to get more armed UAVs from China |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/nigeria-to-get-more-armed-uavs-from-china |website=Janes |date=14 October 2020 |access-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721102813/https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/nigeria-to-get-more-armed-uavs-from-china |archive-date=21 July 2024}}</ref> It first flew in 2007. The CH-3 has a 70 kg payload,<ref>{{cite web |title=Is China at the Forefront of Drone Technology? |url=https://chinapower.csis.org/china-drones-unmanned-technology/ |website=Center for Strategic and International Studies |date=25 August 2020 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref> and can carry the AR-1 air-to-ground missile and FT-9 guided bomb.{{sfn|Barrie|Ebert|Glaese|Gady|2021|p=18}}
The CH-3 is a fixed wing [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV) of the Rainbow series. The CH-3 adopts an unusual [[canard (aeronautics)|canard]] layout, similar to the [[Jetcruzer 450]] and the [[Rutan VariEze]]. This means that the CH-3 lacks a centrally located vertical tail, with large [[winglet]]s and canards instead. [[Propulsion]] is provided by a three-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted on the [[empennage]]. The main landing wheels of the tricycle landing gear has a fairing to reduce drag.<ref name="CH3&3A"/>
 
The Pakistani [[NESCOM Burraq]] may be based on the CH-3; the Burraq is armed with the Burq missile, which may be based on the AR-1.{{sfn|Barrie|Ebert|Glaese|Gady|2021|p=17}}
In January, 2015, a CH-3 drone was reported to have crashed in northern Nigeria.<ref name="CH-3 Negeria Medium">{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/whose-drone-just-crashed-in-nigeria-c8c55bdf3476 |publisher=Medium |title=It Seems a Chinese Missile Drone Just Crashed in Nigeria |date=28 January 2015}}</ref> It is believed that the drone was involved in Nigeria's struggle against the [[Boko Haram]] militant group.<ref name="CH-3 Negeria Popsci">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.popsci.com/did-armed-chinese-made-drone-just-crash-nigeria |title=Did An Armed Chinese-Made Drone Just Crash in Nigeria? |magazine=Popular Science |date=28 January 2015}}</ref> China supplied the CH-3 to Nigeria government prior to 2014, along with YC-200 guided bombs and AR-1 air-to-ground missiles.<ref name="CH-3 in Nigeria">{{cite web | url=http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch3-uav-drone-crashed-in-nigeria/ | title=CH-3 fighting in Nigeria | access-date=2014-12-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008044738/http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch3-uav-drone-crashed-in-nigeria/ | archive-date=2018-10-08 }}</ref> In February of 2016, Nigeria announced a successful drone strike in its ongoing war against Boko Haram.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.popsci.com/watch-nigerias-first-confirmed-drone-strike/ | title=Watch Nigeria's First Confirmed Drone Strike | date=18 March 2019 | access-date=2019-11-21 }}</ref>
 
===CH-4===
China delivered 12 CH-3s to Myanmar in 2014-2015 to fight [[:Category:Rebel groups in Myanmar|rebels]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2020_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/myanmar_armed_forces_use_chinese_armed_drones_to_fight_rebels_in_the_country.html|title=Myanmar armed forces use Chinese armed drones to fight rebels in the country {{pipe}} January 2020 Global Defense Security army news industry {{pipe}} Defense Security global news industry army 2020 {{pipe}} Archive News year|website=www.armyrecognition.com}}</ref>
[[NESCOM Burraq]] is thought to be mostly influenced by the CH-3 design.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/pakistani-armed-drone-kills-in-first-attack/ | title='Significant development': Pakistan deploys first homemade drone, kills three militants | website=[[The Times of Israel]] | date=2015-09-07 | access-date=2019-11-29 }}</ref>
 
'''Specifications:'''<ref name="CH3&3A">{{cite web | url=http://bbs.tiexue.net/post2_3164141_1.html | title=CH 3 & 3A | access-date=2008-11-08 | archive-date=2013-12-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216191037/http://bbs.tiexue.net/post2_3164141_1.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Wingspan (m): 8
*Range (km): 960
*Endurance (h): 12
*Payload (kg): 60 – 80
*Ceiling (km): 4
 
===CH-3A===
The CH-3A is a development of the earlier CH-3, with both sharing an identical layout. Improvements of the CH-3A over the CH-3, includes the maximum payload increasing to more than 100 kg and a satellite data link being incorporated. The CH3A is a multipurpose UAV which can also carry AR 1 laser guided rockets for an attacking role. It is also widely rumored that the Myanmar Air Force operates them, and some images have been found.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainbow CH-3A Reconnaissance and Strike UAV |url=https://www.militarydrones.org.cn/rainbow-ch-3a-drone-china-price-manufacturer-procurement-portal-p00165p1.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=China Defence Website}}</ref>
 
'''Specification:'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://military.china.com/zh_cn/zh2010/video/news/11088457/20101118/16251181.html |title=CH-3A |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405173044/http://military.china.com/zh_cn/zh2010/video/news/11088457/20101118/16251181.html |archive-date=2013-04-05 }}</ref>
*Payload (kg): 180 maximum
*Endurance (h): 6 with maximum payload
*Ceiling (Km): 4
*Max Range (km): 960
[[File:CH-4 at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022.jpg|thumb|The CH-4(D/E) at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022]]
 
===CH-4===
Externally, the CH-4 looks almost identical to the [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]], with the only distinct visual difference between the two UAVs being the [[ventral fin]] below the [[V-tail]] on MQ-9 which is absent on the CH-4.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-2.html |title=航展国产无人机抢先看：彩虹系列可用于战场侦察及反恐作战【2】--军事--人民网 |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216184827/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-2.html |archive-date=2013-12-16 }}</ref><ref>"Red dawn: Communist China stepping up drone deployment,"''[[The Washington Times]]'', March 26, 2013</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a22101/chinas-ch-4b-drone-looks-awfully-familiar/ | magazine = [[Popular Mechanics]] | date = July 28, 2016 | title = China's CH-4B Drone Looks Awfully Familiar to a U.S. Drone}}</ref> There are two versions, the '''CH-4A''' and '''CH-4B'''. The CH-4A is a reconnaissance drone (capable of a 3500–5000 km range and a 30- to 40-hour endurance life) while the CH-4B is a mixed attack and reconnaissance system with provisions for 6 weapons and a payload of up to 250 to 345 kg.
 
CH-4 is capable of firing air-to-ground missiles from an altitude of 5,000 meters (~16,400 feet), meaning the aircraft is capable of staying outside the effective range of most anti-aircraft guns. It also allows the CH-4 to be able to fire from a position that provides a wider area of view.<ref name="CH-4 firing from high altitude">{{cite web |url= http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch4-uav-drone-missile-attack-details/ |title= CH-4 firing from high altitude |work= AirForceWorld.com |access-date= 2015-05-06 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150502100315/http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch4-uav-drone-missile-attack-details/ |archive-date= 2015-05-02 }}</ref>
 
A CASC factory in Myanmar produces the CH-4.<ref name="csis_myanmar_20210506"/>
Vasiliy Kashin, a Chinese specialist at Moscow's Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, said that the CH-4B UCAV has been exported to Myanmar,<ref>{{Cite web|last=United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner|first=OHCHR|date=August 2019|title=Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|archive-date=23 October 2020|website=[[United Nations]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Weinberger |first=Sharon |date=10 May 2018 |title=China Has Already Won the Drone Wars |magazine=Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/10/china-trump-middle-east-drone-wars/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023095907/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/10/china-trump-middle-east-drone-wars/|archive-date=23 October 2020}}</ref> Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq.<ref name="Gulf Defense Market">{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/show-daily/dubai-air-show/2015/11/06/dubai-airshow-china-ucav-drone-market-fighter/74051236/|title=China Again Tries To Pierce Gulf Defense Market|date= 6 November 2015|website=defensenews.com}}</ref><ref name="中国彩虹4B无人机在中东显威 专家却这样说">{{cite news |url= http://club.mil.news.sohu.com/shilin/thread/3mb2owxcbz6 |website= sohu.com |title= 中国彩虹4B无人机在中东显威 专家却这样说 |language= zh |access-date= 2015-11-14 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025402/http://club.mil.news.sohu.com/shilin/thread/3mb2owxcbz6 |archive-date= 2015-11-17 }}</ref> [[Myanmar]] is also producing a CH-4 UAV under license with an agreed transfer of technology.<ref>{{Cite web|last=United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner|first=OHCHR|date=August 2019|title=Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|archive-date=23 October 2020|website=[[United Nations]]}}</ref>
 
Iraq received an unknown number of CH-4B models in early 2015, enabling numerous battlefield reversals in conflicts surrounding [[Mosul]] and [[Ramadi]] against [[ISIL]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34510126 |title=China helps Iraq military enter drone era |magazine=[[BBC]] |date=12 October 2015}}</ref>
 
[[Saqr (drone)|Saqr-1]] is thought to be mostly influenced by the CH-4.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/114144/20170514/saudi-arabia-first-domestic-long-distance-uav-fires-chinese.htm | title=Saudi Arabia's First Domestic Long-distance UAV Fires Only Chinese-made Missiles and Bombs | date=2017-05-14 | access-date=2019-11-29 }}</ref>
Line 78 ⟶ 35:
* '''Maximum Speed:''' {{convert|235|kn|km/h}}
* '''Cruise Speed:''' {{convert|180|kn|km/h}}
* '''Communications range:''' >{{convert|1000|km|mi|abbr=on}} with SatCom (1,500-2,000&nbsp;km for CH-4B),<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Indonesian Air Force's fleet of CH-4 UAVs granted airworthiness approval|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesian-air-forces-fleet-of-ch-4-uavs-granted-airworthiness-approval|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Janes.com|date=2 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> ~{{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Ground Control Station (GCS)
* '''Armaments:''' AR-1 missile, AR-2 missile (20 kg, 5 kg armour-piercing warhead, inertial guidance system with terminal semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, maximum range 8&nbsp;km),<ref name="janes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesia-receives-first-batch-of-chinese-made-ar-2-missiles-for-its-ch-4-uavs|title = Indonesia receives first batch of Chinese-made AR-2 missiles for its CH-4 UAVs| date=13 April 2021 }}</ref> AKD-10 air-to-surface anti-tank missile, BRMI-90 90mm guided rocket, FT-7/130 130 kg glide bombs, FT-9/50 50&nbsp;kg bomb, FT-10/25 25&nbsp;kg bomb, GB-7/50 50&nbsp;kg precision-guided munition (PGM), GB-4/100 PGM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drones.rusi.org/countries/saudi-arabia/|title = Saudi Arabia}}</ref>
[[File:CH-5 at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022.jpg|thumb|CH-5H at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022]]
 
===CH-5===
[[File:CH-5 at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022.jpg|thumb|CH-5H at Airshow China Zhuhai 2022]]
The CH-5 is a large UAV with a wingspan of 21 metres, a payload of 1,000&nbsp;kg, a [[maximum takeoff weight]] of over 3 tonnes, a service ceiling of 9 km, an endurance life of up to 60 hours<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/chinas-new-ch-5-rainbow-drone-leaves-us-reaper-in-the-dust-lrs6mwb96|title=China's new CH-5 Rainbow drone leaves US Reaper 'in the dust'|last=Fullerton|first=Jamie|date=2017-07-18|work=The Times|access-date=2017-07-18|language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>, and a range of 10,000&nbsp;km. Thanks to a shared data link system, it can cooperate with CH-3 and CH-4 drones. It conducted its maiden flight in August 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ifeng.com/a/20150830/44550011_0.shtml|title=国产最大察打一体无人机"彩虹"5号首飞成功|date=2015-08-30|website=Phoenix News|location=China|language=zh|trans-title=China's biggest success with unmanned aerial vehicle "Rainbow" on the 5th flight|access-date=2017-07-18}}</ref> at its first airshow flight (in northern [[Hebei|Hebei province]]) in July 2017.<ref name=":0" /> The drone can carry a maximum of 16 missiles at a single time. There were also plans to extend its range up to 20,000&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2016-11/01/content_27240864.htm|title=Unmanned combat drone to be exported|last=Lei|first=Zhao|date=2016-11-01|website=China Daily|access-date=2017-07-18}}</ref> Chinese officials claimed the CH-5 Rainbow was similar in performance to the US [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]] and "may come in at less than half the price". Compared to the [[Garrett TPE331]] [[turboprop]] engine mounted on the Reaper, the CH-5 is equipped with an unidentified turbo-charged piston engine with less than half the [[horsepower]]. This design consideration limits the maximum altitude of the CH-5 to 9&nbsp;km compared to the 12–15&nbsp;km of the Reaper, but it also extends CH-5's endurance life to 60 hours compared to the Reaper's 14 hours.
The CH-5 is a large UAV with a wingspan of 21 metres, a payload of 1,000&nbsp;kg, a [[maximum takeoff weight]] of over 3 tonnes, a service ceiling of 9 km, an endurance life of up to 60 hours,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/chinas-new-ch-5-rainbow-drone-leaves-us-reaper-in-the-dust-lrs6mwb96|title=China's new CH-5 Rainbow drone leaves US Reaper 'in the dust'|last=Fullerton|first=Jamie|date=2017-07-18|work=The Times|access-date=2017-07-18|language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and a range of 10,000&nbsp;km. Thanks to a shared data link system, it can cooperate with CH-3 and CH-4 drones. It conducted its maiden flight in August 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ifeng.com/a/20150830/44550011_0.shtml|title=国产最大察打一体无人机"彩虹"5号首飞成功|date=2015-08-30|website=Phoenix News|location=China|language=zh|trans-title=China's biggest success with unmanned aerial vehicle "Rainbow" on the 5th flight|access-date=2017-07-18}}</ref> at its first airshow flight (in northern [[Hebei|Hebei province]]) in July 2017.<ref name=":0" /> The drone can carry a maximum of 16 missiles at a single time. There were also plans to extend its range up to 20,000&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2016-11/01/content_27240864.htm|title=Unmanned combat drone to be exported|last=Lei|first=Zhao|date=2016-11-01|website=China Daily|access-date=2017-07-18}}</ref> Chinese officials claimed the CH-5 Rainbow was similar in performance to the US [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]] and "may come in at less than half the price". Compared to the [[Garrett TPE331]] [[turboprop]] engine mounted on the Reaper, the CH-5 is equipped with an unidentified turbo-charged piston engine with less than half the [[horsepower]]. This design consideration limits the maximum altitude of the CH-5 to 9&nbsp;km compared to the 12–15&nbsp;km of the Reaper, but it also extends CH-5's endurance life to 60 hours compared to the Reaper's 14 hours.
 
A more recent engine variant, with a 300kW piston engine from Anhui Hangrui Co., will increase the service ceiling to 12&nbsp;km and the endurance life to 120 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defpost.com/chinas-ch-5-drone-completes-trial-flight/|title=Production variant of China's CH-5 drone completes trial flight|last=Mathew|first=Arun|date=2017-07-16|website=defpost.com|access-date=2017-09-30|archive-date=2017-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031311/https://defpost.com/chinas-ch-5-drone-completes-trial-flight/}}</ref>
Line 94 ⟶ 51:
 
===CH-7===
The CH-7 is a [[stealth aircraft|stealth]], [[flying wing]] [[UCAV]] similar to the [[X-47B]], with a 22m wingspan and a 10m length. It can fly at 920&nbsp;km/h and an altitude of 13,000m. The endurance life is around 15 hours with an operational radius of 2000 km.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201811/06/WS5be0e888a310eff303286bac.html|title=Stealth drone about to hit world market - Chinadaily.com.cn|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> It can carry antiradiation missiles and standoff weapons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-steps-up-drone-race-with-stealth-aircraft|title=China steps up drone race with stealth aircraft|date=November 10, 2018|website=The Straits Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1060779829803462656|user=writetake|title=Here's China's gen-next stealth combat aircraft #CH7 with a wingspan of 22-m and 10-m long. It has a cruise altitud...<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=November 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/84303/airshow-china-2018-casc-reveals-stealth-ucav-development|title=Airshow China 2018: CASC reveals stealth UCAV development {{pipe}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com}}</ref> According to its chief designer, "the CH-7 can intercept radar electronic signals, and simultaneously detect, verify and monitor high-value targets, such as hostile command stations, missile launch sites, and naval vessels". It was planned to make its maiden flight in 2019 and commence production from 2022.<ref name="auto"/> A live airframe was spotted in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Satam |first1=Parth |title=Live Model of China’s CH-7 Flying Wing Stealth UCAV Revealed |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/11/08/live-model-of-chinas-ch-7-flying-wing-stealth-ucav-revealed/ |website=The Aviationis |date=8 November 2024 |access-date=9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2024-11-08 |title=China’s Stealth CH-7 Long-Endurance Drone Emerges |url=https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-stealth-ch-7-long-endurance-drone-emerges |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
===CH-9===
ISR & strike UAV with 11500&nbsp;km range.<ref>https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/china-unveils-ch-9-wing-loong-x-platforms-naval-applications</ref>{{Verify source|date=December 2024}}
 
===CH-10===
Line 100 ⟶ 60:
 
===CH-91===
The CH-91 is a fixed-wing UAV with a [[Twin boom|twin-boom]] layout and an [[inverted v-tail]] with a pair of skids acting as the landing gear. Propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the rear end of the fuselage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-7.html |title=CH-97 |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190145/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-7.html |archive-date=2013-12-16 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_5.htm|title=实拍珠海航展:零距离接触中国无人机家族_图片频道_新华网|date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117232604/http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_5.htm|archive-date=2012-11-17}}</ref> The CH-91 is mainly intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.<ref name="CH">{{cite web | url=http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163.html | title=Rainbow (CH) UAVs | access-date=2012-11-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127164533/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163.html | archive-date=2013-01-27 }}</ref> It is also known as the BZK-008.
[[File:CH-92A Serbia.jpg|thumb|CH-92A of [[Serbian Air Force and Air Defence]]]]
 
Line 140 ⟶ 100:
 
===CH-817===
VTOL micro-surveillance and attack UAV with a top speed of 64.8&nbsp;km/h and an endurance of 15 minutes.<ref name="janes_ch817_20211001">{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Kelvin | url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/airshow-china-2021-casc-unveils-ch-817-micro-surveillance-and-attack-vtol-uav | title=Airshow China 2021: CASC unveils CH-817 micro-surveillance and attack VTOL UAV |website=Janes |date=1 October 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001141953/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/airshow-china-2021-casc-unveils-ch-817-micro-surveillance-and-attack-vtol-uav |archive-date=1 October 2021}}</ref>
 
===CH-901===
Line 149 ⟶ 109:
 
==Operational history==
[[Iraq]] used CH-4s against the [[Islamic State]] during the [[War in Iraq (2013–2017)|2013-2017 war]].<ref name="bbc_iraq_20151012">{{cite web |last1=Marcus |first1=Jonathan |title=China helps Iraq military enter drone era |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34510126 |date=12 October 2015 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="janes_iraq_ch4_20220809"/>
 
[[Nigeria]] used CH-3s against the [[Boko Haram insurgency]] in 2015.<ref name="bbc_iraq_20151012"/>
=== Royal Saudi Land Force ===
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been operating the CH-4, along with the Wing Loong II drone in its military intervention in Yemen.<ref name="yemenwar">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/21/pentagon-is-scrambling-as-china-sells-the-hell-out-of-armed-drones-to-americas-allies.html|title=Pentagon is scrambling as China "sells the hell out of" armed drones to US allies|date=21 February 2019|work=[[CNBC]]}}</ref>
 
The [[Tatmadaw]] in [[Myanmar]] reportedly used CH-3s for [[counterinsurgency]] in 2015 and 2016 during the [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|Myanmar civil war]].<ref name="csis_myanmar_20210506"/>
On 12 July 2018, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian CH-4 drone near Asir border.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eastpendulum.com/wing-loong-i-ch-4b-un-drone-arme-saoudien-abattu-pres-du-yemen|title=Wing Loong I ? CH-4B ? Un drone armé saoudien " abattu " près du Yémen|date=July 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=18451|title=CASC CH-4В Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow)|date=July 12, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185451/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=18451|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
The [[Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war|Saudi-led coalition]] deployed CH-4s against the [[Houthi movement]] during the [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|Yemeni civil war]]; the aircraft were from [[Saudi Arabia]]<ref name="yemenwar">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/21/pentagon-is-scrambling-as-china-sells-the-hell-out-of-armed-drones-to-americas-allies.html|title=Pentagon is scrambling as China "sells the hell out of" armed drones to US allies|date=21 February 2019|work=[[CNBC]]}}</ref> and the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref name="yemenwar" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/resources/docs/ISPSW-478_Lin.pdf|title=UAE's Increasing Role in China's Security Calculus|work=ISPSW Strategy Series: Focus on Defense and International Security|first=Christina|last=Li|date=1 April 2017|quote=In Yemen, the UAE is already using China's Wing Loong drones in its campaign against al Qaeda, and recently purchased the CH-4 drones}}</ref> Over twelve Saudi Arabian CH-4s were lost by July 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Winter |first1=Lucas |title=UAV Technologies Proliferating in Yemen and Saudi Arabia |url=https://fmso.tradoc.army.mil/2022/uav-technologies-proliferating-in-yemen-and-saudi-arabia/ |website=United State Army Foreign Military Studies Office |date=1 July 2022 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>
On 8 August 2018, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian CH-4B drone near Tuwal border crossing.<ref name="CH4lost" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almanar.com.lb/4211682| title=إسقاط طائرة بدون طيار تابعة للعدوان في جيزان|language=Arabic|work=Almanar|date=30 August 2018}}</ref>
 
On 23 December 2018, Houthi rebels shot down a Saudi Arabian CH-4 drone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/yemeni-rebels-claim-they-shot-down-saudi-led-coalition-drone/50000262-3850769|title=Yemeni rebels claim they shot down Saudi-led coalition drone|website=www.efe.com}}</ref> in Saada province, northern Yemen, and displayed the wreckage of the drone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://debriefer.net/en/news-14299.html|title=Houthis display coalition CH-4 plane downed in Jawf|date=17 January 2021|work=Debriefer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofislamabad.com/23-Dec-2018/saudi-drone-shot-down-in-yemen|title=Saudi drone shot down in Yemen|date=December 23, 2018|website=Times of Islamabad}}</ref>
 
On 11 April 2019, a Saudi Arabian [[#CH-4|CH-4 drone]] was lost over Yemen, according to Houthi media the Saudi drone was shot down by friendly fire.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://wired.me/technology/drone-downed-yemen-saudi-arabia/|title=The Saudi coalition downed a drone in Yemen. Then the accusations flew
|date=14 October 2019|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=20454|title=CASC CH-4В Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow)|author=Lost Armour|date=11 April 2019|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190407/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=20454|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
On 7 January 2020, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian a CH-4B drone over Jawf province.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.althawranews.net/2020/01/saudi-ch-4-drone-shot-down-by-yemeni-air-defnces-in-jawf/|title=Saudi CH-4 drone shot down by Yemeni air defnces in Jawf {{pipe}} |work=Al-Thawra Net|first=|last=|date=7 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uprising.today/video-footage-of-downing-saudi-ch-4-drone-released/|title=Video footage of downing Saudi CH-4 drone released|date=January 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115194351/https://www.uprising.today/video-footage-of-downing-saudi-ch-4-drone-released/|archive-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
 
On 22 December 2020, Houthi rebels shot down a Saudi Arabian CH-4B drone, serial number ''20311'' on the district of Madghal in Marib province.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27112|title=CASC CH-4B Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow)|date=22 December 2020|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183605/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27112|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemen-rebels-fighters-shot-down-saudi-run-drone-near-border/2020/12/22/6e7f9be6-4477-11eb-ac2a-3ac0f2b8ceeb_story.html|title=Yemen rebels: Fighters shot down Saudi-run drone near border|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105132633/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemen-rebels-fighters-shot-down-saudi-run-drone-near-border/2020/12/22/6e7f9be6-4477-11eb-ac2a-3ac0f2b8ceeb_story.html|archive-date=5 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/12/23/houthis-claim-saudi-drone-downed/|title=Houthis Claim Saudi CH-4 Drone Downed Near Border|work= The Defense Post|date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
 
On 12 February 2021, Houthis intercepted a Saudi Arabian [[#CH-4|CASC Rainbow CH-4]] drone in Meghdal, Marib Governorate, displaying footage of the CH-4 being shot down.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://avia-pro.net/news/zrk-osa-sbil-udarnyy-bespilotnik-saudovskoy-aravii|title=SAM "Osa" shot down a strike drone of Saudi Arabia|website=avia-pro.net|date=13 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.saba.ye/en/news3128285.htm |title=War media distributes footage to shoot down CH-4 fighter plane in Marib |work=Yemen News Agency |date=12 February 2021}}
*{{cite AV media |date=February 12, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpIDqoq3qsQ&feature=emb_title |script-title=ar:مأرب - مشاهد للحظة اطلاق واصابة الطائرة التجسسية المقاتلة من نوع "CH4" في مديرية #مدغل |publisher=الإعلام العسكري |via=YouTube}}</ref>
 
On 23 March 2021, a Houthi spokesman said that Houthi forces shot down a US [[MQ-9 Reaper]] drone operating in Marib,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://debriefer.net/en/news-23998.html|title=US warplane downed in Yemeni Marib: Houthis|date=23 March 2021|work=Debriefer}}</ref> however a day later the Houthis published footage of the intercept that depicted a drone resembling the CH-4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/houthi-forces-release-video-of-alleged-missile-hitting-us-made-mq-9-reaper-drone/|title=Houthi forces release video of alleged missile hitting US-made MQ-9 reaper drone|work=Almasdar|date=26 March 2021|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326121404/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/houthi-forces-release-video-of-alleged-missile-hitting-us-made-mq-9-reaper-drone/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27528|work=Lost Armour|title=CASC CH-4B Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow)|access-date=2021-07-09|archive-date=2021-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008144628/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27528|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
On 23 May 2021, a Saudi Coalition CH-4 drone is shot down by Houthi fighters in Al-Maraziq, [[Al Jawf Governorate|Al-Jawf governorate]].<ref name="CH4lost">{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/18990/infographic-how-many-ch-4-drones-were-shot-down-by-ansar-allah/|title=Infographic: How many CH-4 drones were shot down by Ansar Allah?|work=Islamic World News|date=24 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://alwaght.net/en/News/198540/Yemeni-Forces-Shoot-Saudi-Drone-in-Jawf-Skies|title=Yemeni Forces Shoot Saudi Drone in Jawf Skies|work=Alwaght News and Analysis|date=23 May 2021}}</ref> Later Houthi media wing released a video of the shootdown of the drone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/173804/Yemeni-army-shoots-down-Saudi-spy-drone-in-Al-Jawf|title=Yemeni army shoots down Saudi spy drone in Al Jawf|date=23 May 2021|work=Mehr News Agency}}</ref>
 
On 6 October 2021, Houthis reported the shot down of a Saudi Arabian [[#CH-4|CASC Rainbow CH-4]] drone in Juba district,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trackingterrorism.org/chatter/statement-houthi-elements-ansarallah-successfully-shot-down-saudi-owned-ch-4-reconnaissance-|title=(Statement) Houthi Elements (Ansarallah) Successfully Shot Down a Saudi Owned CH-4 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Drone Using a Missile in Juba District, Marib Governorate, Yemen - 6 October 2021|work=Terrorism Research Analysis Consortium}}</ref> southern Marib province by Houthi Air Defenses, later displaying footage of the drone wreck.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/20716/yemen-ansar-allah-destroyed-the-tenth-ch-4-drone/|title=Yemen: Ansar Allah destroyed the tenth CH-4 drone|work=Islamic World News|date=6 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dearborn.org/542876/the-houthis-announce-the-downing-of-a-saudi-march-northeast-of-sanaa/|title=The Houthis announce the downing of a Saudi march northeast of Sanaa|date=5 October 2021|work=Dearborn|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008014930/https://dearborn.org/542876/the-houthis-announce-the-downing-of-a-saudi-march-northeast-of-sanaa/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
=== United Arab Emirates Air Force ===
The United Arab Emirates Air Force have been operating the CH-4, along the Wing Loong II drone in its military intervention in Yemen.<ref name="yemenwar" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/resources/docs/ISPSW-478_Lin.pdf|title=UAE's Increasing Role in China's Security Calculus|work=ISPSW Strategy Series: Focus on Defense and International Security|first=Christina|last=Li|date=1 April 2017|quote=In Yemen, the UAE is already using China's Wing Loong drones in its campaign against al Qaeda, and recently purchased the CH-4 drones}}</ref>
 
== Comparison ==
Line 246 ⟶ 185:
| 32 hours / 20 hours at max speed
|-
|[[Chengdu Wing Loong-3|Wing Loong 3]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chinese defense aviation industry unveils its new Wing Loong 3 UAV at AirShow China 2022 {{!}} Defense News November 2022 Global Security army industry {{!}} Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 {{!}} Archive News year |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2022_global_security_army_industry/chinese_defense_aviation_industry_unveils_its_new_wing_loong_3_uav_at_airshow_china_2022.html |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=6 November 2022 }}</ref>
|[[Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group|Chengdu]]
|Yes, 2300&nbsp;kg
Line 278 ⟶ 217:
|5 hours
|-
|[[Tengden TB-001|TB-001A]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three-engined variant of China's Tengden TB001 UAV makes maiden flight |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/three-engined-variant-of-chinas-tengden-tb001-uav-makes-maiden-flight |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Janes.com |date=21 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
|[[Sichuan Tengden|Tengdeng]]
|Yes, 1200 kg
Line 288 ⟶ 227:
 
==Operators==
===Current===
;{{flag|Algeria}}
* [[Algerian Air Force]]: CH-3 and CH-4{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=344}}
* [[Algerian People's National Armed Forces]]: CH-3 and CH-4<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/unmanned-aerial-vehicles/algeria-egypt-unveil-chinese-uavs/|title=Algeria, Egypt unveil chinese uavs|website=defenceweb.co.za|date=2 November 2018}}</ref>
 
;{{flag|Democratic Republic of CongoChina}}
* [[People's Liberation Army Ground Force]]: 5+ CH-4B (as of 2023);{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=256}} KVD002, a reconnaissance and precision strike drone based on the CH-4.<ref name="kvd002">{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2023/09/chinas-new-kvd002-drone-built-for-a-taiwan-war/ |title=China’s new KVD002 drone built for a Taiwan war |website=Asia Times |date=25 September 2023 |first=Gabriel |last=Honrada }}</ref>
* Received nine CH-4s in July 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/july/9063-congo-armed-forces-receive-9-chinese-casc-ch-4-rainbow-combat-drones.html | title=Congo armed forces receive 9 Chinese CASC CH-4 Rainbow combat drones }}</ref> Three more CH-4s acquired on March 20, 2024.<ref>https://www.military.africa/2024/05/second-batch-of-ch-4-drones-arrive-dr-congo/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
 
; {{flag|Democratic Republic of Congo}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese Air Force]]: 3 CH-4B (as of 2023);{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=486}} nine were ordered.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bociaga |first1=Robert |title=China Sends Military Drones to DRC Amid Fears of Regional War |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/china-sends-military-drones-to-drc-amid-fears-of-regional-war/ |website=The Diplomat |date=20 March 2023 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>
 
;{{flag|Ethiopia}}
Line 301 ⟶ 244:
 
;{{flag|Iraq}}
* [[Iraqi Armed Forces]]: 12 CH-4 (as of 2023){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=358}} Deliveries started by 2015. Put into storage in 2017. In 2019, one was "fully mission capable" and the rest were grounded due to maintenance problems.<ref name="janes_iraq_ch4_20220809">{{cite web |title=Iraq returns CH-4 UAV to service |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/iraq-returns-ch-4-uav-to-service |website=Janes |date=9 August 2022 |access-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713112059/https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/iraq-returns-ch-4-uav-to-service |archive-date=13 July 2024 }}</ref> The CH-5 was on order in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |title=Iraqi Army Aviation Command identifies itself as CH-5 UAV operator |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/iraqi-army-aviation-command-identifies-itself-as-ch-5-uav-operator |website=Janes |date=24 April 2024 |access-date=4 December 2024 }}</ref>
* [[Iraqi Armed Forces]]: 14 CH-4Bs<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news|title=Janes {{pipe}} Latest defence and security news|website=Janes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Flight International|title=Rainbow UAV gives Iraq new spectrum abilities|date=20 October 2015|page=21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/tag/ch-4-drone-in-iraq/|title=CH-4 drone in Iraq – The Diplomat|website=thediplomat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=The Iraqi Media after the US-Led Invasion |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/9781137271648.0010 |work=Media Practice in Iraq |year=2012 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |doi=10.1057/9781137271648.0010 |isbn=9781137271648 |access-date=2022-09-18}}</ref> and CH-5 (unknown amount)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/35062/Iraq_Acquires_Chinese_CH_5_Killer_Drones__Reports|title=Iraq Acquires Chinese CH-5 Killer Drones|publisher=Defense Mirror}}</ref>
 
;{{flag|Myanmar}}
* [[Myanmar Air Force]]: Four CH-3 (as of 2023.){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=298}} According to the [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]], 12 CH-3As were procured in 2014 to 2015.<ref name="csis_myanmar_20210506">{{cite web |last1=Funaiole |first1=Matthew P. |last2=Bermudez |first2=Joseph S. Jr. |last3=Kurata |first3=Katherine |title=Tatmadaw Deploys Chinese-Made UAVs |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/tatmadaw-deploys-chinese-made-uavs |website=Center for Strategic and International Studies |date=6 May 2021 |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>
* [[Myanmar Air Force]]: Acquired 12 CH-3As and some CH-4s for precision airstrike mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/is-myanmar-using-armed-chinese-drones-for-counterinsurgency/|title=Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?|author=Ankit panda|access-date=9 Jun 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803090636/https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/is-myanmar-using-armed-chinese-drones-for-counterinsurgency/|archive-date=3 August 2020|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|date=2016-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Panda |first=Ankit |title=Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/is-myanmar-using-armed-chinese-drones-for-counterinsurgency/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="CH-4_user"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2020_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/myanmar_armed_forces_use_chinese_armed_drones_to_fight_rebels_in_the_country.html|title=Myanmar armed forces use Chinese armed drones to fight rebels in the country|website=www.armyrecognition.com}}</ref> Myanmar is also producing the CH-4 model with the transfer of technology under license.<ref>{{Cite web|last=United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner|first=OHCHR|date=August 2019|title=Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|archive-date=23 October 2020|website=[[United Nations]]}}</ref>
 
; {{flag|Nigeria}}
*[[Nigerian Air Force]]: 1+ CH-3 (as of 2023.){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=209}} One crashed in January 2015. The UAVs were operated infrequently due to poor quality. In 2020, another eight in delivery.<ref name="janes_ch3_20201014"/>
*[[Nigerian Air Force]]: CH-3<ref name="CH-3 in Nigeria"/> and CH-4
 
; {{flag|Pakistan}}
* [[Pakistan Armed Forces]]: 5 CH-4 (as of 2023.){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=302}} Received five CH-4s in 2021.<ref name="janes_ch4_20210127"/>
* [[Pakistan Armed Forces]]: Known to use the CH-3 inspired UCAVs like the [[GIDS Shahpar]] since 2012.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.radiofarda.com/a/were-pakistani-drones-involved-in-taliban-operations-in-panjshir-/31461782.html| title = آیا پهپادهای رزمی پاکستان در عملیات طالبان در پنجشیر شرکت داشتند؟| newspaper = رادیو فردا| date = 15 September 2021| last1 = تقوایی| first1 = بابک}} </ref> Procured 12-24 CH-4A/B [[UCAV]]s in late January 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pakstrategic.com/pakistan-procures-casc-rainbow-cai-hong-ch-4-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/|website=PakStrategic.com|date=29 January 2021|title=Pakistan procures CASC Rainbow (CAI HONG) CH-4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=China unveils new drones aimed at buyers in developing countries |url=https://theworld.org/stories/2012-11-15/china-unveils-new-drones-aimed-buyers-developing-countries |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=The World from PRX |language=en}}</ref>
 
; {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
* [[Royal Saudi Air Force]]: CH-4 (as of 2023.){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=383}}
 
[[File:Sadejstvo 2020 - CH-92A VS 01.jpg|thumb|[[Serbian Air Force and Air Defence]] CH–92A during ''Sadejstvo 2020'' military exercise.]]
;{{flag|Serbia}}
* [[Serbian Air Force and Air Defence]]: 6 CH-92A and 3 CH-95<ref name="tangosix">{{cite web|last1= Banković|first1=Živojin|title=[VIDEO] Na Batajnici prikazane kineske izviđačko-borbene bespilotne letelice CH-92A, kupljeno 6 letelica sa 18 raketa|url=https://tangosix.rs/2020/04/07/video-na-batajnici-prikazane-kineske-izvidjacko-borbene-bespilotne-letelice-ch-92a-kupljeno-6-letelica-sa-18-raketa/|website=Tango Six|date=4 July 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020|format=4 July 2020}}</ref>
 
; {{flag|Sudan}}
* [[Sudanese Air Force]]: CH-3 and CH-4{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=522}}
 
; {{flag|Turkmenistan}}
* [[Turkmen Air Force]]: CH-3A{{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=209}}
* [[Turkmen Air Force]]: CH-3<ref>{{Cite web |title=КИТАЙ НА МАРШЕ. О ЧЕМ ГОВОРИТ АВИАСАЛОН В ЧЖУХАЕ. Часть 1 |url=http://opk.com.ua/%d0%ba%d0%b8%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%b9-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%bc%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%88%d0%b5-%d0%be-%d1%87%d0%b5%d0%bc-%d0%b3%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%be%d1%80%d0%b8%d1%82-%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%b8%d0%b0%d1%81%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%bd/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=ru-RU}}</ref>
 
; {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
Line 324 ⟶ 273:
; {{flag|Zambia}}
* [[Zambian Defence Force]]: CH-4<ref name="CH-4_user"/>
 
===Former===
; {{flag|JOR|name=Jordan}}
* [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]: CH-4B (as of 2023.){{sfn|The International Institute for Strategic Studies|2024|p=365}}
 
==See also==
Line 341 ⟶ 294:
}}
 
== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}
 
=== External linksSources ===
{{refbegin}}
* [https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-04/21/content_24710359.htm Article detailing the CH family development]
* {{cite report |last1=Barrie |first1=Douglas |last2=Ebert |first2=Niklas |last3=Glaese |first3=Oskar |last4=Gady |first4=Franz-Stefan |date=21 December 2021 |title=Armed uninhabited aerial vehicles and the challenges of autonomy |url=https://www.iiss.org/globalassets/media-library---content--migration/files/research-papers/armed-uninhabited-aerial-vehicles-and-the-challenges-of-autonomy.pdf |publisher=The International Institute for Strategic Studies |access-date=4 December 2024 }}
* {{Cite book |author=The International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=13 February 2024 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=978-1-032-78004-7 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Wood |first1=Peter |last2=Stewart |first2=Robert |date=26 September 2019 |title=China's Aviation Industry: Lumbering Forward |url=https://airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/CASI/documents/Research/Infrastructure/2019-08-02%20Lumbering_Forward_Aviation_Industry.pdf |publisher=[[United States Air Force]] [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]] China Aerospace Studies Institute |isbn=9781082740404 |access-date=4 December 2024 }}
{{refend}}
 
{{PRC UAVs}}
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CASC_Rainbow"