CH-3
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) · China
CH-804
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) · China · Updated
CH-804 is a near-range unmanned aerial vehicle developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) of China, part of the CH (Rainbow) family of UAVs marketed for battalion-level reconnaissance and surveillance.
Overview
CASC describes CH-804 as a vehicle-mounted, near-range UAV system built for ease of use, long endurance and high reliability. The manufacturer markets it for military battalion-level day and night aerial reconnaissance, aerial surveillance and counter-terrorism operations, as well as civilian roles including environmental monitoring, aerial surveying and mapping, pipeline inspection and urban security. CASC's own product page, published in 2016, calls it a domestically leading short-range UAV system.
CH-804 sits within CASC's wider Rainbow family of unmanned aircraft, which the manufacturer's China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics subsidiary produces across sizes from small tactical and target types up to large medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft such as the CH-4 and CH-5.
Design and capabilities
CASC's published specifications give CH-804 a wingspan of 4 m, a maximum take-off weight of 22 kg, and a payload capacity of 3–5 kg. The manufacturer states an endurance of 24 hours, a typical cruise altitude of 500–1,500 m, and a practical ceiling greater than 4,000 m. CASC does not publish a maximum speed, length or propulsion type for the aircraft. The manufacturer credits the design with rapid deployment and autonomous, safe flight, though it does not detail the launch or recovery method on its product page.
Operational history
No publicly documented operator or deployment has been identified for CH-804 in the sources used here. CASC's product materials present it as part of its export-oriented Rainbow UAV line, which GlobalSecurity.org reports has been sold to armed forces in more than ten countries across the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa, though no source confirms CH-804 specifically among those sales.
Frequently asked questions
What is the endurance of CH-804?
CASC states 24 hours.
How heavy is CH-804?
Its maximum take-off weight is 22 kg, with a stated payload capacity of 3–5 kg.
Who makes CH-804?
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), through its China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics subsidiary, as part of the CH (Rainbow) UAV family.
What is CH-804 used for?
CASC markets it for battalion-level military reconnaissance and surveillance, and for civilian environmental monitoring, surveying, pipeline inspection and urban security.
What altitude can CH-804 reach?
CASC states a typical cruise altitude of 500–1,500 m and a practical ceiling greater than 4,000 m.
