Feature: China improves Rainbow UAV capabilities

China has improved the performance and payload carrying capabilities of its CH-3/4/5 Rainbow series of UAVs. This infographic compares the new CH-3D, CH-4D, CH-4E, and CH-9 aircraft with earlier versions. (Janes)

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has developed improved versions of its CH-3, CH-4, and CH-5 Cai Hong (CH) or Rainbow series of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), adding to the country's line-up of unmanned platforms that can be employed domestically and sold to foreign operators.

The Rainbow series of UAVs is expansive, spanning at least 10 primary fixed-wing models (those with a maximum take-off weight [MTOW] of at least 120 kg). The largest is the eight-tonne stealth CH-7, which is in development for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). However, CASC's decision to improve the CH-3/4/5 series is based on the type's operational versatility and its export credentials, having been collectively sold to at least eight countries.

The CH-3/4/5 UAV series also shares a common and interoperable datalink, which allows the UAVs to operate alongside each other, facilitating their integration into military networks. The three UAV models can be directed via a fixed or mobile ground control station (GCS) equipped with an encrypted C-band (4–8 GHz) datalink offering jam-resistant and line-of-sight (LOS) operations.

CASC's enhancements to the CH-3/4/5 series, which include the development of the new CH-5C version (known as the CH-9), include better range, higher top speeds, and the ability to operate at higher altitudes, according to information Janes has obtained from China's state-owned defence exporter, Poly Technologies.

Significantly, the new UAVs have also been enlarged to accommodate a larger weapons payload. This includes more external weapon hardpoints to mount air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Electronics and weapons payloads observed on the new UAVs also appear to be predominantly for littoral or maritime applications.