Specifications
Year: 2012
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) - China
Production: 500
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Reconnaissance (RECCE); Unmanned;
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) - China
Production: 500
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Reconnaissance (RECCE); Unmanned;
Crew: 0
Length: 22.97 ft (7 m)
Width: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Height: 6.56 ft (2 m)
Length: 22.97 ft (7 m)
Width: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Height: 6.56 ft (2 m)
Power: 1 x Conventional engine driving three-bladed propelled in pusher arrangement.
Range: 1,491 miles (2,400 km; 1,296 nm)
Operators: Algeria; Iraq; Nigeria; Pakistan
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.
Armament
Two underwing hardpoints for the carrying of guided-missile ordnance. Mission payload of up 60 to 100 kilograms (model dependent - see variants listing).
Variants / Models
• CH-3 "Rainbow" - Base Series Designation; initial production model.
• CH-3A - Increased mission payload; reduced endurance.
