CASC CH-3 Rainbow
China (2012)
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.comBasic Specifications
China
Year: 2012
Status: Active, In-Service
Type: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
Manufacturer(s): China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) - China
Production: 500
The CASC CH-3 is just one in a series of UAVs found under the Rainbow name produced by Chinese industry.
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.
Supported Mission Types
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Crew: 0
Length: 22.97 ft (7 m)
Width: 26.25 ft (8.00 m)
Height: 6.56 ft (2.00 m)
Installed Power
1 x Conventional engine driving three-bladed propelled in pusher arrangement.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Range: 1,491 mi (2,400 km; 1,296 nm)
Armament
Two underwing hardpoints for the carrying of guided-missile ordnance. Mission payload of up 60 to 100 kilograms (model dependent - see variants listing).
Operators List
Algeria; Iraq; Nigeria; Pakistan
Series Model Variants
• CH-3 "Rainbow" - Base Series Designation; initial production model.
• CH-3A - Increased mission payload; reduced endurance.
Supported Weapon Systems
