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UAV · MALE UCAV

CH-4 (Caihong-4 / Rainbow-4)

CASC / China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) · China

CASC/CAAA's widely-exported armed MALE drone, comparable to the US MQ-1 Predator, used for ISR and precision strike. Predecessor/smaller sibling of the CH-5.

CountryChina
SubcategoryFixed-wing
SubtypeMALE UCAV
RoleStrike/ISR
ClassMALE
ClassificationUCAV
MissionISR, strike
VariantsCH-4A, CH-4B
MTOW (kg)1330
OperatorsChina, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)8.5
PropulsionPiston
Range (km)5000
Wingspan (m)18
Combat-provenYes
Export statusWidely exported
Launch methodRunway takeoff
Autonomy levelSemi-autonomous
Endurance (min)1800
Recovery methodRunway landing
Year introduced2014
Max payload (kg)345
Standard sensorsEO/IR; SAR
Production statusIn production
Notable engagementsIraqi strikes against ISIS; Saudi/UAE use against Houthis in Yemen
Service ceiling (m)7000
Conflicts deployed inIraq (anti-ISIS); Yemen
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions.