On Saturday morning of October 10th, 2015, Iraqi Defence Minister Mr. Khaled al-Obeidi Khalid al-Obaidi arrived at Kut Airbase to see the launching of the Chinese CH-4B combat drone.
It is vital to note that our site has previously reported about Chinese CH-4B combat drone in Iraq. CH-4 unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) is developed by the China’s Aerospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT).
CH-4 looks almost identical to General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, and the only distinct visual difference between two UAVs is that the ventral fin below the V-tail on MQ-9 is absent on Rainbow-4.
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 30-40 hour endurance) 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.
- Maximum takeoff weight 1,330-1,350kg
- Fuel capacity 165kg
- Payload 345kg
- Speed (cruising) 150-180km/h; (maximum) 210-235km/h;
- Range 200-250km Endurance 30 hours (unarmed) 14 hours (armed)
- Service ceiling 7,500m
Armament CH-4 : Four external hard points (under the wings); Lan Jian 7 (Blue Arrow 7) laser-guided air-to-surface missiles; LT series precision guided bombs; TG100 laser/INS/GPS-guided bomb.
