CH-3A
Reconnaissance strike unmanned aerial vehicleFielded 2013Pending verification
Also known as: Chang Hong 3A
Air ForcesCHN
Length 6.2 m
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeReconnaissance strike unmanned aerial vehicle
Alternative designationsChang Hong 3A
Date of introduction2013
ProliferationAt least 2 countries
Dimensions and weight
Flight performance
Armament and payload
ArmamentChinese multi-purpose UAV CH-3A designed to perform tasks related to the investigation, the implementation of observation flights and patrol operations.Med[1]
Variants
CH-1CH-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 CH-2, the successor of CH-1, CASC PW-1, the derivative of CH-1, and CASC PW-2, the derivative of CH-2.[1]
CH-2CH-2 is the second of the Rainbow (CH) series UAVs and is a development of the earlier CH-1, with identical twin-boom layout. As for the CH-1, propulsion is provided by a two-blade propeller driven by a pusher engine mounted at the rear end of the fuselage…[1]
CH-3CH-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.[1]
CH-3ACH-3A is the development of CH-3 and share the identical layout. Improvement of CH-3A over CH-3 includes that the maximum payload is increased to more than 100 kg, and satellite data link is also incorporated.[1]
CH-4Externally, 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 CH-4. There are two versions, the CH-4A and CH-4B.[1]
CH-5The CH-5 is the latest UCAV of the Rainbow series, with a wingspan of 21 meters, a payload of 1,000 kg, a maximum takeoff weight of over 3 tones, a service ceiling of 9 km, an endurance of up to 60 hours and a range of 10,000 km.[1]
CH-7The CH-7 is a stealthy flying wing UCAV similar to the X-47B, with a 22m wingspan and 10m length. It can fly at 920 km/h and at an altitude of 13,000m. Endurance is about 15 hours and its operational radius is 2000 kilometers.[1]
CH-3A is the development of CH-3 and share the identical layout. Improvement of CH-3A over CH-3 includes that the maximum payload is increased to more than 100 kg, and satellite data link is also incorporated.
Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
- CH-3A Chinese Reconnaissance Strike Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
- 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import