OVERVIEW
The CASC CH-3 is just one in a series of UAVs found under the Rainbow name produced by Chinese industry.
The CASC CH-3 is just one in a series of UAVs found under the Rainbow name produced by Chinese industry.
YEAR: 2012
STATUS: Active, In-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) - China
PRODUCTION: 500
OPERATORS: Algeria; Iraq; Nigeria; Pakistan
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the CASC CH-3 Rainbow model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the CASC CH-3 Rainbow model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 0
LENGTH: 22.97 feet (7 meters)
WIDTH: 26.25 feet (8 meters)
HEIGHT: 6.56 feet (2 meters)
ENGINE: 1 x Conventional engine driving three-bladed propelled in pusher arrangement.
RANGE: 1,491 miles (2,400 kilometers; 1,296 nautical miles)
ARMAMENT
Two underwing hardpoints for the carrying of guided-missile ordnance. Mission payload of up 60 to 100 kilograms (model dependent - see variants listing).
Two underwing hardpoints for the carrying of guided-missile ordnance. Mission payload of up 60 to 100 kilograms (model dependent - see variants listing).
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• CH-3 "Rainbow" - Base Series Designation; initial production model.
• CH-3A - Increased mission payload; reduced endurance.
Series Model Variants
• CH-3 "Rainbow" - Base Series Designation; initial production model.
• CH-3A - Increased mission payload; reduced endurance.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the CASC CH-3 Rainbow Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 11/22/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the CASC CH-3 Rainbow Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 11/22/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The CH-3 is armed version of the unarmed CH-1/CH-2 drone series. All of the products come from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and are part of the CASC "Rainbow" line of UAVs that began with the CH-1 and has since evolved into the CH-901 model. The series has found some global takers to date (2015) and provides modern tactical over-battlefield capabilities at a much reduced cost when compared to contemporary Western UAV products.
Externally, the CH-3 carries swept-back wing mainplanes along a streamlined fuselage that sports forward canards for additional stability and control. The mainplanes showcase large vertical fins ("winglets") at their tips and sport a single hardpoint each for the carrying and delivery of guided-missile ordnance. The undercarriage is wheeled, though fixed, under the aircraft's mass. At the rear of the fuselage is the engine installation which drives a three-bladed propeller unit in a "pusher" arrangement. Specifications include a wingspan of 8 meters while performance displays a 12-hour endurance window with a payload maximum of 80 kilograms. Range is 2,400 kilometers.
Externally, the CH-3 carries swept-back wing mainplanes along a streamlined fuselage that sports forward canards for additional stability and control. The mainplanes showcase large vertical fins ("winglets") at their tips and sport a single hardpoint each for the carrying and delivery of guided-missile ordnance. The undercarriage is wheeled, though fixed, under the aircraft's mass. At the rear of the fuselage is the engine installation which drives a three-bladed propeller unit in a "pusher" arrangement. Specifications include a wingspan of 8 meters while performance displays a 12-hour endurance window with a payload maximum of 80 kilograms. Range is 2,400 kilometers.
The Nigerian and Pakistani armies are confirmed operators of the CH-3 series. CH-3 designates early models while the CH-3A is a follow-up product which increases the line's mission payload (up to 180 kilograms maximum) while reducing the endurance window by half to six hours. This model also features a satellite data link as standard.
In October 2015, the Iraqi government released footage of a CASC Rainbow UAV being deployed operationally - proving its existence within the Iraqi military inventory and showcasing a new willingness by the government to expand beyond its purchases of American-made equipment.
In October 2015, the Iraqi government released footage of a CASC Rainbow UAV being deployed operationally - proving its existence within the Iraqi military inventory and showcasing a new willingness by the government to expand beyond its purchases of American-made equipment.
MEDIA
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the CASC CH-3 Rainbow's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
500
500