CASC Rainbow explained

CASC Rainbow, abbreviated as CH, is a series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics within the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), also known as the 11th Academy of CASC^[1] or 701st Research Institute.

Variants

CH-1

The CH-1 is the first of the Rainbow (CH) series UAVs. The general designer was Mr. Shi Wen (石文), who is also the general designer of the CH-2, the successor of the CH-1, CASC PW-1, the derivative of the CH-1, and CASC PW-2, the derivative of the CH-2. The CH-1 program began in 2000, and resulted in the establishment of the UAV program, which led to other following designs. The CH-1 is intended mainly for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.^[2]

Specifications:^[3]

• Wingspan (m): 4.4
• Length (m): 3.75
• Height (m): 0.87
• Weight (kg): 40
• Payload (kg): 4.5
• Fuel (kg): 26
• Max speed (km/h): 170
• Cruise speed (km/h): 120 – 150
• Normal radius (km): > 100
• Normal operating altitude (km): 1 – 3
• Ceiling (km): 4.6
• Max range (km): 740 @ 1 km altitude and 124 km/h speed
• Endurance (h): 6
• Rate of climb (m/s): 4.3
• Turn radius (m): 290
• g overload: - 1.5 to 3
• Launch: rocket assisted, and catapult mounted on vehicle
• Recovery: parachute
• Max wind scale allowed for operation: 5

CH-2

The CH-2 is the second of the Rainbow (CH) series UAVs and is a development of the earlier CH-1, with identical twin-boom layout. Like the CH-1, propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the rear end of the fuselage. The UAV is launched via a vehicle mounted catapult with rocket-assisted take-off.^{[4] [5]} The CH-2 is mainly intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.^[2]

CH-3

The CH-3 is a fixed wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of the Rainbow series. The CH-3 adopts an unusual canard layout, similar to the Jetcruzer 450 and the Rutan VariEze. This means that the CH-3 lacks a centrally located vertical tail, with large winglets and canards instead. Propulsion is provided by a three-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted on the empennage. The main landing wheels of the tricycle landing gear has a fairing to reduce drag.

In January, 2015, a CH-3 drone was reported to have crashed in northern Nigeria.^[6] It is believed that the drone was involved in Nigeria's struggle against the Boko Haram militant group.^[7] China supplied the CH-3 to Nigeria government prior to 2014, along with YC-200 guided bombs and AR-1 air-to-ground missiles.^[8] In February of 2016, Nigeria announced a successful drone strike in its ongoing war against Boko Haram.^[9]

China delivered 12 CH-3s to Myanmar in 2014-2015 to fight rebels.^[10] NESCOM Burraq is thought to be mostly influenced by the CH-3 design.^[11]

Specifications:^[12]

• Wingspan (m): 8
• Range (km): 960
• Endurance (h): 12
• Payload (kg): 60 – 80
• Ceiling (km): 4

CH-3A

The CH-3A is a development of the earlier CH-3, with both sharing an identical layout. Improvements of the CH-3A over the CH-3, includes the maximum payload increasing to more than 100 kg and a satellite data link being incorporated. The CH3A is a multipurpose UAV which can also carry AR 1 laser guided rockets for an attacking role. It is also widely rumored that the Myanmar Air Force operates them, and some images have been found.^[13]

Specification:^[14]

• Payload (kg): 180 maximum
• Endurance (h): 6 with maximum payload
• Ceiling (Km): 4
• Max Range (km): 960

CH-4

Externally, the CH-4 looks almost identical to the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, with the only distinct visual difference between the two UAVs being the ventral fin below the V-tail on MQ-9 which is absent on the CH-4.^{[15] [16] [17]} There are two versions, the CH-4A and CH-4B. The CH-4A is a reconnaissance drone (capable of a 3500–5000 km range and a 30- to 40-hour endurance life) while the CH-4B is a mixed attack and reconnaissance system with provisions for 6 weapons and a payload of up to 250 to 345 kg.

CH-4 is capable of firing air-to-ground missiles from an altitude of 5,000 meters (~16,400 feet), meaning the aircraft is capable of staying outside the effective range of most anti-aircraft guns. It also allows the CH-4 to be able to fire from a position that provides a wider area of view.^[18]

Vasiliy Kashin, a Chinese specialist at Moscow's Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, said that the CH-4B UCAV has been exported to Myanmar,^{[19] [20]} Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq.^{[21] [22]} Myanmar is also producing a CH-4 UAV under license with an agreed transfer of technology.^[23]

Iraq received an unknown number of CH-4B models in early 2015, enabling numerous battlefield reversals in conflicts surrounding Mosul and Ramadi against ISIL.^[24]

Saqr-1 is thought to be mostly influenced by the CH-4.^[25]

Specifications:^[26]

• Length: 8.5m (27.9feet)
• Wing Span: 18m (59feet)
• Max Take Off Weight: 1300kg (2,900lb)
• Payload: 345kg (761lb)
• Endurance: 40 hours
• Powerplant: 1 x 100 Hp engine
• Maximum Speed: 235kn
• Cruise Speed: 180kn
• Communications range: >1000km (1,000miles) with SatCom (1,500-2,000 km for CH-4B),^[27] ~150km (90miles) from Ground Control Station (GCS)
• Armaments: AR-1 missile, AR-2 missile (20 kg, 5 kg armour-piercing warhead, inertial guidance system with terminal semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, maximum range 8 km),^[28] AKD-10 air-to-surface anti-tank missile, BRMI-90 90mm guided rocket, FT-7/130 130 kg glide bombs, FT-9/50 50 kg bomb, FT-10/25 25 kg bomb, GB-7/50 50 kg precision-guided munition (PGM), GB-4/100 PGM.^[29]

CH-5

The CH-5 is a large UAV with a wingspan of 21 metres, a payload of 1,000 kg, a maximum takeoff weight of over 3 tonnes, a service ceiling of 9 km, an endurance life of up to 60 hours^[30], and a range of 10,000 km. Thanks to a shared data link system, it can cooperate with CH-3 and CH-4 drones. It conducted its maiden flight in August 2015^[31] at its first airshow flight (in northern Hebei province) in July 2017. The drone can carry a maximum of 16 missiles at a single time. There were also plans to extend its range up to 20,000 km.^[32] Chinese officials claimed the CH-5 Rainbow was similar in performance to the US MQ-9 Reaper and "may come in at less than half the price". Compared to the Garrett TPE331 turboprop engine mounted on the Reaper, the CH-5 is equipped with an unidentified turbo-charged piston engine with less than half the horsepower. This design consideration limits the maximum altitude of the CH-5 to 9 km compared to the 12–15 km of the Reaper, but it also extends CH-5's endurance life to 60 hours compared to the Reaper's 14 hours.

A more recent engine variant, with a 300kW piston engine from Anhui Hangrui Co., will increase the service ceiling to 12 km and the endurance life to 120 hours.^[33]

Armaments: AR-1 missile, AR-2 missile (20 kg, 5 kg armour-piercing warhead, inertial guidance system with terminal semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, maximum range 8 km)^[28]

CH-6

The CH-6 is a large UAV with a MTOW of 7800 kg with two variants: a strike variant with an 18-hour endurance life and a 450 kg payload; a reconnaissance variant with a 21-hour endurance life and a 120 kg payload. It was in development in 2021.^[34]

CH-7

The CH-7 is a stealth, flying wing UCAV similar to the X-47B, with a 22m wingspan and a 10m length. It can fly at 920 km/h and an altitude of 13,000m. The endurance life is around 15 hours with an operational radius of 2000 km.^[35] It can carry antiradiation missiles and standoff weapons.^{[36] [37] [38]} According to its chief designer, "the CH-7 can intercept radar electronic signals, and simultaneously detect, verify and monitor high-value targets, such as hostile command stations, missile launch sites, and naval vessels". It was planned to make its maiden flight in 2019 and commence production from 2022.^[35]

CH-10

The CH-10 is a tiltrotor UAV.^[39]

CH-91

The CH-91 is a fixed-wing UAV with a twin-boom layout and an inverted v-tail with a pair of skids acting as the landing gear. Propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the rear end of the fuselage.^{[40] [41]} The CH-91 is mainly intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.^[2] It is also known as the BZK-008.

CH-92

CH-92 is a fixed-wing UAV in the conventional V-tail layout with a tricycle landing gear. Propulsion is provided by a propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the empennage. The CH-92 is mainly intended for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions.^{[2] [42]}

CH-802

The CH-802 is a fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) in the conventional layout with an elevated high-wing configuration and V-tail. The CH-802 has a cylindrical fuselage with propulsion being provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a tractor brushless electric motor atop the fuselage.^{[43] [44]} The CH-803 is mainly intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.^[2] The CH-802 program began in 2007 and was completed in 2008.

Specifications:^{[45] [46]}

• Wingspan (m): 3
• Length (m): 1.8
• Weight (kg): 6.5
• Payload (kg): 1
• Radius (km): 30
• Normal operating altitude (km): 0.3 – 1
• Normal radius (km): 30 – 50
• Cruise speed (km/h): 60
• Endurance (h): 2.5
• Ceiling (km): 4
• Launch: by hand

CH-803

The CH-803 is a fixed-wing UAV with a cylindrical fuselage and canards, but without the tailplane. Propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a tractor engine mounted in the nose. Another unique feature of the CH-803 is that it adopts a forward-swept wing.^[45] The CH-803 is mainly intended for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.^[2] The CH-803 program began in 2008 and was completed in 2011.

Specifications:^[46]

• Wingspan (m): 3
• Length (m): 1.8
• Weight (kg): 18
• Payload (kg): 3.5
• Radius (km): 30
• Normal operating altitude (km): 0.5 – 1.5
• Normal radius (km): 50 – 80
• Cruise speed (km/h): 80 – 110
• Endurance (h): 5
• Ceiling (km): 3.5
• Launch: catapult
• Recovery: parachute

CH-817

VTOL micro-surveillance and attack UAV with a top speed of 64.8 km/h and an endurance of 15 minutes.^[47]

CH-901

The CH-901 is a fixed-wing UAV in the conventional layout with a cylindrical fuselage and a high-wing configuration. Propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the end of empennage.^[48] The CH-901 is designed as a UCAV.^{[2] [49]}

CH-902

Fixed-wing cylindrical UAV.^[50]

Operational history

Royal Saudi Land Force

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been operating the CH-4, along with the Wing Loong II drone in its military intervention in Yemen.^[51]

On 12 July 2018, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian CH-4 drone near Asir border.^{[52] [53]}

On 8 August 2018, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian CH-4B drone near Tuwal border crossing.^[54]

On 23 December 2018, Houthi rebels shot down a Saudi Arabian CH-4 drone.^[55] in Saada province, northern Yemen, and displayed the wreckage of the drone.^{[56] [57]}

On 11 April 2019, a Saudi Arabian CH-4 drone was lost over Yemen, according to Houthi media the Saudi drone was shot down by friendly fire.^{[58] [59]}

On 7 January 2020, Houthi rebels shot down an armed Saudi Arabian a CH-4B drone over Jawf province.^{[60] [61]}

On 22 December 2020, Houthi rebels shot down a Saudi Arabian CH-4B drone, serial number 20311 on the district of Madghal in Marib province.^{[62] [63] [64]}

On 12 February 2021, Houthis intercepted a Saudi Arabian CASC Rainbow CH-4 drone in Meghdal, Marib Governorate, displaying footage of the CH-4 being shot down.^{[65] [66]}

On 23 March 2021, a Houthi spokesman said that Houthi forces shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone operating in Marib,^[67] however a day later the Houthis published footage of the intercept that depicted a drone resembling the CH-4.^{[68] [69]}

On 23 May 2021, a Saudi Coalition CH-4 drone is shot down by Houthi fighters in Al-Maraziq, Al-Jawf governorate.^{[70] [71]} Later Houthi media wing released a video of the shootdown of the drone.^[72]

On 6 October 2021, Houthis reported the shot down of a Saudi Arabian CASC Rainbow CH-4 drone in Juba district,^[73] southern Marib province by Houthi Air Defenses, later displaying footage of the drone wreck.^{[74] [75]}

United Arab Emirates Air Force

The United Arab Emirates Air Force have been operating the CH-4, along the Wing Loong II drone in its military intervention in Yemen.^[76]

Comparison

Comparison of major Chinese made military UAVs^[77]

Model	Manufacturer	Armaments	Takeoff weight	Engine type	Maximum cruise speed	Operational endurance
CH-1	CASC	No	220 kg	Piston	140 km/h	6 hours
CH-2	CASC	No	220 kg	Piston	160 km/h	8 hours
CH-3	CASC	Yes, 80 kg	650 kg	Piston	220 km/h	12 hours
CH-4	CASC	Yes, 345 kg	1330 kg	Piston	180 km/h	30 hours for recon / 12 hours for strike
CH-5	CASC	Yes, 1000 kg	3300 kg	Turboprop	220 km/h	60 hours for recon / 30 hours with 8 AR-1 missiles
	Chengdu	Yes, 200 kg	1100 kg	Piston	280 km/h	20 hours
GJ-2 (Wing Loong 2)^[78]	Chengdu	Yes, 480 kg	4200 kg	Turboprop	370 km/h	32 hours / 20 hours at max speed
Wing Loong 3^[79]	Chengdu	Yes, 2300 kg	6200 kg	Turboprop	Unknown	40 hours
	Chengdu	Yes, 400 kg	3200 kg	Turbojet	370 km/h	32 hours
WJ-700^[80]	CASIC	Yes	3500 kg	Turbofan	Unknown	20 hours
WJ-600 A/D^[81]	CASIC	Yes	Unknown	Turbofan	850 km/h	5 hours
TB-001A^[82]	Tengdeng	Yes, 1200 kg	3200 kg	Turboprop	Unknown	35 hours at 1000 kg payload

Operators

Algeria

• Algerian People's National Armed Forces: CH-3 and CH-4^[83]

• Received nine CH-4s in July 2023.^[84] Three more CH-4s acquired on March 20, 2024.^[85]

Ethiopia

• Ethiopian National Defense Force: CH-4^[86]

Indonesia

• Indonesian Armed Forces: six CH-4Bs^{[28] [87]}

Iraq

• Iraqi Armed Forces: 14 CH-4Bs^{[88] [89] [90]} and CH-5 (unknown amount)^[91]

Myanmar

• Myanmar Air Force: Acquired 12 CH-3As and some CH-4s for precision airstrike mission.^{[92] [93] [86] [94]} Myanmar is also producing the CH-4 model with the transfer of technology under license.^[95]

Nigeria

• Nigerian Air Force

CH-3^[8] and CH-4

Pakistan

• Pakistan Armed Forces: Known to use the CH-3 inspired UCAVs like the GIDS Shahpar since 2012.^[96] Procured 12-24 CH-4A/B UCAVs in late January 2021.^{[97] [98]}

Serbia

• Serbian Air Force and Air Defence: CH-92A and CH-95^[99]

Turkmenistan

• Turkmen Air Force: CH-3^[100]

United Arab Emirates

• United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: CH-4

Zambia

• Zambian Defence Force: CH-4^[86]

External links

• Article detailing the CH family development

Notes and References

1. Web site: 中国航天科技集团公司第十一研究院. August 21, 2014. chinese. https://web.archive.org/web/20140821000502/http://today.hit.edu.cn/uploadfiles/2013/7-11/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E8%88%AA%E5%A4%A9%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80%E9%9B%86%E5%9B%A2%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E7%AC%AC%E5%8D%81%E4%B8%80%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E9%99%A2.pdf. 2014-08-21.
2. Web site: Rainbow (CH) UAVs . 2012-11-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130127164533/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163.html . 2013-01-27 .
3. Web site: CH-1 . 2013-11-21 . https://archive.today/20131121041306/http://www.htanwang.com/productview.aspx?id=30 . 2013-11-21 .
4. Web site: CH-2 . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150612195334/http://military.people.com.cn/GB/42967/10050115.html . 2015-06-12 .
5. Web site: 中国无人攻击机曝光 亚洲某国已大批购买_新闻滚动_大成网_腾讯网. 2013-11-21. 2013-12-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20131216191311/http://cd.qq.com/a/20100701/003864.htm. dead.
6. Web site: It Seems a Chinese Missile Drone Just Crashed in Nigeria . Medium . 28 January 2015.
7. Did An Armed Chinese-Made Drone Just Crash in Nigeria? . Popular Science . 28 January 2015.
8. Web site: CH-3 fighting in Nigeria . 2014-12-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181008044738/http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch3-uav-drone-crashed-in-nigeria/ . 2018-10-08 .
9. Web site: Watch Nigeria's First Confirmed Drone Strike . 18 March 2019 . 2019-11-21 .
10. Web site: Myanmar armed forces use Chinese armed drones to fight rebels in the country January 2020 Global Defense Security army news industry Defense Security global news industry army 2020 Archive News year. www.armyrecognition.com.
11. Web site: 'Significant development': Pakistan deploys first homemade drone, kills three militants . . 2015-09-07 . 2019-11-29 .
12. Web site: CH 3 & 3A . 2008-11-08 . 2013-12-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216191037/http://bbs.tiexue.net/post2_3164141_1.html . dead .
13. Web site: Rainbow CH-3A Reconnaissance and Strike UAV . 2024-08-13 . China Defence Website.
14. Web site: CH-3A . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130405173044/http://military.china.com/zh_cn/zh2010/video/news/11088457/20101118/16251181.html . 2013-04-05 .
15. Web site: 航展国产无人机抢先看：彩虹系列可用于战场侦察及反恐作战【2】--军事--人民网 . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216184827/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-2.html . 2013-12-16 .
16. "Red dawn: Communist China stepping up drone deployment,"The Washington Times, March 26, 2013
17. China's CH-4B Drone Looks Awfully Familiar to a U.S. Drone. . July 28, 2016 .
18. Web site: CH-4 firing from high altitude . AirForceWorld.com . 2015-05-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150502100315/http://www.airforceworld.com/blog/ch4-uav-drone-missile-attack-details/ . 2015-05-02 .
19. Web site: United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner. OHCHR. August 2019. Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf. 23 October 2020. United Nations.
20. Weinberger . Sharon . 10 May 2018 . China Has Already Won the Drone Wars . Foreign Policy . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201023095907/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/10/china-trump-middle-east-drone-wars/. 23 October 2020.
21. Web site: China Again Tries To Pierce Gulf Defense Market. 6 November 2015. defensenews.com.
22. News: 中国彩虹4B无人机在中东显威 专家却这样说 . sohu.com . zh . 2015-11-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025402/http://club.mil.news.sohu.com/shilin/thread/3mb2owxcbz6 . 2015-11-17 .
23. Web site: United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner. OHCHR. August 2019. Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf. 23 October 2020. United Nations.
24. China helps Iraq military enter drone era . . 12 October 2015.
25. Web site: Saudi Arabia's First Domestic Long-distance UAV Fires Only Chinese-made Missiles and Bombs . 2017-05-14 . 2019-11-29 .
26. Web site: China May Have Executed Large Order for CH-4 Drones. Defense World . 29 April 2020 . 18 October 2020.
27. Web site: Indonesian Air Force's fleet of CH-4 UAVs granted airworthiness approval. 2021-09-03. Janes.com. en.
28. Web site: Indonesia receives first batch of Chinese-made AR-2 missiles for its CH-4 UAVs.
29. Web site: Saudi Arabia.
30. News: China's new CH-5 Rainbow drone leaves US Reaper 'in the dust'. Fullerton. Jamie. 2017-07-18. The Times. 2017-07-18. en. subscription .
31. Web site: 国产最大察打一体无人机"彩虹"5号首飞成功. 2015-08-30. Phoenix News. China. zh. China's biggest success with unmanned aerial vehicle "Rainbow" on the 5th flight. 2017-07-18.
32. Web site: Unmanned combat drone to be exported. Lei. Zhao. 2016-11-01. China Daily. 2017-07-18.
33. Web site: Production variant of China's CH-5 drone completes trial flight. Mathew. Arun. 2017-07-16. defpost.com. 2017-09-30. 2017-10-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031311/https://defpost.com/chinas-ch-5-drone-completes-trial-flight/.
34. Web site: Wong . Kelvin . Airshow China 2021: CASC's twin-turbofan CH-6 armed reconnaissance UAV prototype breaks cover . Janes . 27 September 2021 . 16 May 2022.
35. Web site: Stealth drone about to hit world market - Chinadaily.com.cn. www.chinadaily.com.cn.
36. Web site: China steps up drone race with stealth aircraft. November 10, 2018. The Straits Times.
37. 1060779829803462656. writetake. Here's China's gen-next stealth combat aircraft #CH7 with a wingspan of 22-m and 10-m long. It has a cruise altitud... . November 8, 2018.
38. Web site: Airshow China 2018: CASC reveals stealth UCAV development Jane's 360. www.janes.com.
39. Web site: China reveals CH-10 tilt-rotor drone - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cnchinanewschinanewsecnscns. 2021-05-10. www.ecns.cn.
40. Web site: CH-97 . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190145/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-7.html . 2013-12-16 .
41. Web site: 实拍珠海航展:零距离接触中国无人机家族_图片频道_新华网. November 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121117232604/http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_5.htm. 2012-11-17.
42. Web site: 实拍珠海航展:零距离接触中国无人机家族_图片频道_新华网. November 18, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121118003857/http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_6.htm. 2012-11-18.
43. Web site: CH-802 UAV . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190147/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-8.html . 2013-12-16 .
44. Web site: 实拍珠海航展:零距离接触中国无人机家族_图片频道_新华网. November 18, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121118003902/http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_7.htm. 2012-11-18.
45. Web site: CH-802 & 803 . 2010-11-06 . 2010-11-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101119023823/http://bbs.tiexue.net/post_4622639_1.html . dead .
46. Web site: CH-802 and 803 . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190739/http://www.htanwang.com/productview.aspx?id=29 . 2013-12-16 .
47. Web site: Wong . Kelvin . Airshow China 2021: CASC unveils CH-817 micro-surveillance and attack VTOL UAV . Janes . 1 October 2021 . 16 May 2022.
48. Web site: CH-901 . 2013-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190328/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2012/1112/c1011-19555163-9.html . 2013-12-16 .
49. Web site: 实拍珠海航展:零距离接触中国无人机家族_图片频道_新华网. November 19, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121119094436/http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2012-11/15/c_123955248_8.htm. 2012-11-19.
50. Web site: UAVs shown in Airshow China (16) - People's Daily Online .
51. Web site: Pentagon is scrambling as China "sells the hell out of" armed drones to US allies. 21 February 2019. CNBC.
52. Web site: Wing Loong I ? CH-4B ? Un drone armé saoudien " abattu " près du Yémen. July 15, 2018.
53. Web site: CASC CH-4В Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow). July 12, 2018. July 9, 2021. July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185451/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=18451. dead.
54. Web site: إسقاط طائرة بدون طيار تابعة للعدوان في جيزان. Arabic. Almanar. 30 August 2018.
55. Web site: Yemeni rebels claim they shot down Saudi-led coalition drone. www.efe.com.
56. Web site: Houthis display coalition CH-4 plane downed in Jawf. 17 January 2021. Debriefer.
57. Web site: Saudi drone shot down in Yemen. December 23, 2018. Times of Islamabad.
58. The Saudi coalition downed a drone in Yemen. Then the accusations flew. 14 October 2019. Wired.
59. News: CASC CH-4В Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow). Lost Armour. 11 April 2019. 9 July 2021. 9 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190407/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=20454. dead.
60. Web site: Saudi CH-4 drone shot down by Yemeni air defnces in Jawf . Al-Thawra Net. 7 January 2020 .
61. Web site: Video footage of downing Saudi CH-4 drone released. January 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200115194351/https://www.uprising.today/video-footage-of-downing-saudi-ch-4-drone-released/. 15 January 2020.
62. Web site: CASC CH-4B Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow). 22 December 2020. 9 July 2021. 9 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183605/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27112. dead.
63. News: Yemen rebels: Fighters shot down Saudi-run drone near border. The Washington Post. 22 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20210105132633/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemen-rebels-fighters-shot-down-saudi-run-drone-near-border/2020/12/22/6e7f9be6-4477-11eb-ac2a-3ac0f2b8ceeb_story.html. 5 January 2021.
64. Web site: Houthis Claim Saudi CH-4 Drone Downed Near Border. The Defense Post. 23 December 2020.
65. Web site: SAM "Osa" shot down a strike drone of Saudi Arabia. avia-pro.net. 13 February 2021.
66. News: War media distributes footage to shoot down CH-4 fighter plane in Marib . Yemen News Agency . 12 February 2021.
    • February 12, 2021 . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpIDqoq3qsQ&feature=emb_title . ar:مأرب - مشاهد للحظة اطلاق واصابة الطائرة التجسسية المقاتلة من نوع "CH4" في مديرية #مدغل . الإعلام العسكري . YouTube.
67. Web site: US warplane downed in Yemeni Marib: Houthis. 23 March 2021. Debriefer.
68. Web site: Houthi forces release video of alleged missile hitting US-made MQ-9 reaper drone. Almasdar. 26 March 2021. 9 July 2021. 26 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210326121404/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/houthi-forces-release-video-of-alleged-missile-hitting-us-made-mq-9-reaper-drone/. dead.
69. Web site: CASC CH-4B Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow). Lost Armour. 2021-07-09. 2021-10-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20211008144628/https://lostarmour.info/yemen/item.php?id=27528. dead.
70. Web site: Infographic: How many CH-4 drones were shot down by Ansar Allah?. Islamic World News. 24 May 2021.
71. Web site: Yemeni Forces Shoot Saudi Drone in Jawf Skies. Alwaght News and Analysis. 23 May 2021.
72. Web site: Yemeni army shoots down Saudi spy drone in Al Jawf. 23 May 2021. Mehr News Agency.
73. Web site: (Statement) Houthi Elements (Ansarallah) Successfully Shot Down a Saudi Owned CH-4 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Drone Using a Missile in Juba District, Marib Governorate, Yemen - 6 October 2021. Terrorism Research Analysis Consortium.
74. Web site: Yemen: Ansar Allah destroyed the tenth CH-4 drone. Islamic World News. 6 October 2021.
75. Web site: The Houthis announce the downing of a Saudi march northeast of Sanaa. 5 October 2021. Dearborn. 8 October 2021. 8 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211008014930/https://dearborn.org/542876/the-houthis-announce-the-downing-of-a-saudi-march-northeast-of-sanaa/. dead.
76. Web site: UAE's Increasing Role in China's Security Calculus. ISPSW Strategy Series: Focus on Defense and International Security. Christina. Li. 1 April 2017. In Yemen, the UAE is already using China's Wing Loong drones in its campaign against al Qaeda, and recently purchased the CH-4 drones.
77. Web site: 29 May 2018 . Is China at the Forefront of Drone Technology? .
78. Web site: Administrator . Wing Loong II 2 UAV MALE armed drone data pictures video China Chinese unmanned aerial ground systems UK Chinese China army military equipment armoured UK . 2022-11-13 . www.armyrecognition.com . en-gb.
79. Web site: Chinese defense aviation industry unveils its new Wing Loong 3 UAV at AirShow China 2022 Defense News November 2022 Global Security army industry Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 Archive News year . 2022-11-13 . www.armyrecognition.com.
80. Web site: Chinese CASIC WJ-700 UAV makes maiden flight . 2022-11-13 . www.airrecognition.com.
81. Web site: 2015-02-23 . 航展新闻眼：航天科工"无人机" 高隐身 高速度 可侦察 可打击-新闻频道 珠海网 . 2022-11-13 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150223073546/http://www.n21.cc/xw/zh/2014-11-15/content_101944.shtml . 2015-02-23 .
82. Web site: Three-engined variant of China's Tengden TB001 UAV makes maiden flight . 2022-11-13 . Janes.com . en.
83. Web site: Algeria, Egypt unveil chinese uavs. defenceweb.co.za. 2 November 2018.
84. Web site: Congo armed forces receive 9 Chinese CASC CH-4 Rainbow combat drones .
85. https://www.military.africa/2024/05/second-batch-of-ch-4-drones-arrive-dr-congo/
86. China Has Already Won the Drone Wars . Foreign Policy . 10 May 2018.
87. Web site: Indonesia showcases CH-4 UAVs at military parade. Ridzwan Rahmat. Jane's Defense Weekly. janes.com. 7 October 2019. 2 January 2020.
88. Web site: Janes Latest defence and security news. Janes.com.
89. Flight International. Rainbow UAV gives Iraq new spectrum abilities. 20 October 2015. 21.
90. Web site: CH-4 drone in Iraq – The Diplomat. thediplomat.com.
91. Web site: Iraq Acquires Chinese CH-5 Killer Drones. Defense Mirror.
92. Web site: Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?. Ankit panda. 9 Jun 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20200803090636/https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/is-myanmar-using-armed-chinese-drones-for-counterinsurgency/. 3 August 2020. live. dmy-all. 2016-06-09.
93. Web site: Panda . Ankit . Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency? . 2022-09-18 . thediplomat.com . en-US.
94. Web site: Myanmar armed forces use Chinese armed drones to fight rebels in the country. www.armyrecognition.com.
95. Web site: United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner. OHCHR. August 2019. Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf. 23 October 2020. United Nations.
96. News: آیا پهپادهای رزمی پاکستان در عملیات طالبان در پنجشیر شرکت داشتند؟. رادیو فردا. 15 September 2021. تقوایی. بابک.
97. Web site: Pakistan procures CASC Rainbow (CAI HONG) CH-4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). PakStrategic.com. 29 January 2021.
98. Web site: China unveils new drones aimed at buyers in developing countries . 2022-09-18 . The World from PRX . en.
99. Web site: Banković. Živojin. [VIDEO] Na Batajnici prikazane kineske izviđačko-borbene bespilotne letelice CH-92A, kupljeno 6 letelica sa 18 raketa]. Tango Six. 4 July 2020 . 6 July 2020. 4 July 2020.
100. Web site: КИТАЙ НА МАРШЕ. О ЧЕМ ГОВОРИТ АВИАСАЛОН В ЧЖУХАЕ. Часть 1 . 2022-09-18 . ru-RU.