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Iranian UAVs: forgiveness for Seraphim
Introduction
nmanned combat aerial vehicle Production program is one of the
most important defense industry programs in any country. These
drones, along with ballistic missiles, anti-ship, anti-armor and air
defense systems are the largest number of defense industry products of the Islamic
Republic of Iran. Over a thousand unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been
manufactured in different types and applications (up to 2006).
U
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Fig 1: The performance of the aviation industry in the production of UAVs by 2006
Mohajer: 253 – Shahin: 6- Aeqeh: 281 – Ababil: 369 – Talash: 306
Iran's drone program was formed in 1971s during the Iraq-Iran War, in response
to the need to identify Enemy headquarters.and planned targets. This program is one
of the most advanced drone programs in the world in the analog equipment era. From
the very beginning of the first generation of simple first generation UAVs, the design
and deployment of weapons on these UAVs were defined and implemented in the
Mohajer (means Migrant) UAV in the form of multiple RPG 7 rockets.
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Fig 2: In the late 1980s, Iran deployed a drone armed with RPG-7 rounds in the Iran–Iraq War
Despite Iran's lead in deploying drones, especially the production of combat drones
in the 1980s, as well as the production of more than 1,000 target and reconnaissance
drones, no specific design and efficiency regarding combat drones as well as related
weapons production were introduced and operational, after the Iraq-Iran War until
the early 2010s. Until the early 2010s, two UAVs were unveiled in the medium-
altitude long-endurance UAV (MALE UAV) category named Shahed 129 and
Fotros. The Shahed 129 UAV has four Sadid anti-armor missiles and the Fotros
UAV has two heavier missiles resembling the American Hellfire missile. Prior to
the unveiling of the two UAVs, Iranian UAVs were limited to target UAVs and light
UAVs, such as the Ababil and Mohajer missiles, which were merely used to identify
and in air defense trains to simulate enemy aircraft. Here's a brief overview of the
combat drones made in Iran.
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Fig 3: The Mohajer UAV
Mohajer that is an Iranian single-engine tactical UAV is one of the first Iranian
defense industry products in the field of aircraft, especially UAVs. This UAV was
built in response to the needs that existed during the war by students and graduates
of industrial disciplines, like many defense projects that began after the Islamic
Revolution. The Mohajer UAV is a short-range, low-altitude drone to identify and
locate enemy fortifications at the battlefield. Because of the need for offensive power
and air support and due to the limited capabilities of the time, the possibility of
carrying RPG rockets was added to the UAV. This included installing two rocket
launchers under the wings of the UAV. Although this change in the military use of
drones was a groundbreaking change, it did not yield a reliable product in the combat
UAV.
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Fig 4: RPG7 launchers
Fig 5: The Karrar UAV
The length of the Karrar UAV is about 5 meters and its appearance is similar
to surface-to-surface cruise missiles unveiled on August 22, 2010. The UAV is
designed and manufactured by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company
(HESA). Karrar uses a mini-turbojet engine to provide propulsion power and its
flight-range is approximately 1000 kilometers, which is reduced to 400 kilometers
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if loaded. The UAV is manufactured in three different types of target UAVs, Bomber
UAVs, and interceptor drones.
Fig 6: Unveiling of the Karrar UAV
The wings of the UAV have three hard piont, two of them are under wings
and another one is under body. This UAV can up to 500 pounds (about 220 kg) of
weapons including Kosar anti-ship missile and the Shahab Saqeb missile
Fig 7: The Karrar UAV loaded with two Kosar anti-ship missiles
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These features, along with the high speed of the UAV (900 km/h), make it a
platform for combat missions. At the beginning of the unveiling, the MK-82 was the
only weapon coordinated with the UAV, but later images showed the installation of
two Kosar anti-ship missiles and a Shahab Saqeb missile and an air-to-surface
missile. A new weapon appears to be the result of adding guidance and control kit
to the warhead of the MK-82 bomb. It is guided by a combination of inertia
navigation system and ground-based navigation (Hoda). It is also possible to use the
satellite navigation system in this weapon.
Fig 8: New guided bomb designed for the Karrar UAV
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Fig 9: Karrar with its new guided Bomb
More details of this weapon
The Raad-301 precision guided bomb (probably using the GPS navigation
system) is another weapon that would potentially be used in the Karrar UAV. Due
to the presence of this UAV among the defensive hardware of IRGC Aerospace
Force, it is highly probable to coordinate this weapon with Karrar UAV.
Fig 10: Raad-301 precision guided bomb
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Another weapon that can be used in the UAV is the Shafaq air-to-surface
missile made from the change and development of the Shahab Saqeb missile, which
has a range of 10 km, and the power to penetrate 1-1.5 m in RHA scale. This missile
is equipped with an electro-optic targeting system and has a speed of about 2 to 2.7
mach.
Fig 11: The Shafaq missile
Fig 12: The Karrar interceptor drone
For the first time, the image of the Karrar UAV with a nose cone containing
radome without mentioning its capabilities was presented by IRIB News Agency .In
another documentary Television show an image of a small space-based radar (SBR)
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was showed which was matched with Karrer’s nose cone. In this image an object
similar to Karrar UAV was visible which represented the application of this radar
(for the use of a cruise missile or UAV).
Fig 13&14: The Karrar interceptor drone
Fig 15: Radar image proportional to the dimensions of the Karrar UAV nose cone
This UAV was represented at the Defense Ministry's Capabilities Exhibition
without having the mentioned radome along with the Shahab Saqeb missile. The
Shahab Saqeb missile is a short - range anti-aircraft missile that is used in the Ya
Zahra and Herze-9 air defense systems. In the new sample of this missile fins near
the nose cone (canard) has been removed and the missile uses an unknown control
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system. The missile will have a range of about 12km if a surface-launched system is
used. This range can increase using air launching with a speed as fast as sound.
Fig 16: The launch of the new Shahab Saqeb by the Herz 9 short range air defense system
Fig 17: The Sofreh Mahi UCAV
Sofreh Mahi (In English Eagle ray) is a project aimed to build an unmanned
combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) by the Islamic Republic Air Force. Little is known
about the drone but scaled down mock-ups shown during Iranian Army Day 2010
parade show that it has a flat diamond shape body with twin vertical stabilizers. The
manifest apparent feature of its mock ups is the use of the design and principles of
stealth as well as the use of two turbine engines.
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Both mock ups have a landing gear, enough space to install a light SBR and
equipment related to the nose cone as well as a few weapons mounting positions.
Also in front of this UCAV, a part is visible similar to the cockpit and the canopy,
considering both mock ups have such a design as well as this project has been
introduced as an unmanned aerial vehicle, it seems that this place is likely to be
designed to embed the antenna and equipment associated with the satellite
communication (Satcom system). It has been designed with an appearance similar
to the canopy of the manned combat aircraft
Fig 18: Sofreh mahi
Even though any features of the UAV are not provided to the media, with regard
to the weapon - carrying compartments of the mock-ups, the size of mock-ups, and
considering Weapons that are likely to be carried (Misaq, Sidewinder, and anti -
armor missiles), the length is estimated between 10 to 15 m., due to the nature and
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type of this UAV and available facilities at the time of the project definition, the
length of 15 meters seems unreasonable! Considering these assumptions and
facilities, it can be said that these mock-ups on the original scale have a length of
about 10m (length of the body without tails) and probably for both of them, the mini-
jet engine (from the Toloue engine family) is considered as the propulsion. It is also
possible to consider the use of a j85 turbojet engine (engine of TigerII fighter).
However, in the case of the operation of the two j85 engines, the UAV will have
features similar to F-5 Tiger.
It is not yet clear why NAHAJA follows a completely different design
simultaneously in order to achieve UCAVs! Does NAHAJA intend to compare and
evaluate them ،? Are they two separate projects? A radio control (RC) sample of
these drones have produced and passed flight tests several years ago but there isn’t
any information about their fate.
Fig 19&20: The Sofreh Mahi RC sample
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Fig 21: Graphic images of these drones
Fig 22: Shahed 123 and Shahed 121
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For the first time, the name of Shahed UAV, belong to IRGC Aerospace Force,
was appeared in the banner of the Iranian air industry (in 2006). In fact, in spite of
the apparent similarity of the Shahed UAV to Hermes UAs (made in Israeli) before
manufacturing of the Shahed 129 UAV, at least four types of UAV were
manufactured in the same appearance, in smaller sizes, and for different applications,
which will be referred to as follows.
Fig 23: Reference to the name Shahed 123 UAV in the defense industry products banner in 2006
Fig 24: The Shahed family UAVs at IRGC Aerospace Force Exhibition
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Fig 25: A sample of the Shahed UAV at the Defense Capabilities Exhibition
In the maneuver held in 2012 by IRGC, the launch images of a few types of
UAV were presented in brief and without reference to the detail. These, UAVs were
light and short range, and their flight endurance were about 12 hours! It has been
launched of the rail launcher by Booster.
Fig 26: launching of Shahed 123
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A short time later in the IRGS documentary television program (Aerospace
documentary), the images related to flying of the UAV were shown with a wheel-
type landing gear and a similar body shape, but did not refer to the details and
characteristics of the UAV.
Fig 27: prototype of Shahed 123
Fig 28: early version of Shahed 123
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Fig 29: Shahed 123
In the “Turning Threats into Opportunities" exhibition of IRGC Aerospace
Force, samples of foreigner UAV captured were exposed along with the samples
made by reverse engineering. In this exhibition, a kind of UAV similar to Hermes
family was displayed, which was toppled by air defense. This UVA was very
similar to those used in the maneuver of IRGS in 2012. This UAV did not have any
landing gear.
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Fig 30: captured Hermes 180
The UAV sample without landing gear is not capable of carrying any weapon,
but in other samples, a cylinder (similar to anti - armor missiles) is installed beneath
the UAV whose nature and application are unknown! Especially the site of the target
seeker is occupied by installing this object. However, it may be possible to use
weapon camera for target seeking! Another possibility is that the UAV is used as a
weapon - launching platform for other UAVs.
Fig 31: The loaded Shahed UAVs
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Fig 32: Shahed 129 UAV
Shahed 129
The Shahed 129 is a MALE class UAV. It is the third UCAV unveiled equipped
with air - to - surface weapons (After the Mohajer and Karrar UCAV) Shahed 129
with a length of 7.5 m and with two weapons mounting positions under the wings is
the most effective UCAV produced by the Iranian defense industry. It is comparable
with the MQ-1 Predator UAV made in the USA.
Fig 33: Comparison of the Shahed 129 UAV dimensions to Toyota Hilux
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Shahed 129 has wings wider than the body length and weapons mounting
position has been mounted under each wing, each of which can be capable of
carrying two anti-armor missiles, which may potentially be used to carry four
missiles. Maybe due to the drag reduction and the increase in flight endurance, such
a loaded pattern wasn’t used
Fig 34: The propulsion of The Shahed 129
The main weapon of this UAV is the Sadid ammonition which is produced in
two types of with propulsion and without propulsion, and with a wide range of
different types of seekers and guidance systems. This weapon is actually the
developed from TOW platform, which is produced in Iran’s defense industries in the
name of a Toofan. Shahed 129 relying on this weapon and high flight endurance (24-
30 hours in newer samples) as well as having a relatively complete monitoring and
target seeking equipment, is capable of accomplishing combat missions and is
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expected to be equipped with the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (the home-made
one called Absar).
Fig 35&36: The electro-optic targeting system used in the Shahed 129 UAV
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Fig 37&38: Investigation of aerial and surface targets by the camera of this UAV
Fig 39: Images recorded by thermal camera of this UAV
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Fig 40-43: The synthetic aperture radar of the Absar UAV
Fig 44: View of the weapons carried by this drone
Currently, a limited number of these UAVs have been produced. Almost all
samples compared to other samples have changes in the components of the UAV
indicating the continuity of development after the UAV production start. There is
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currently a production line of four UAVs (possibly in Shahed industries) as well as
the production line for its weapons which produces an acceptable number.
Fig 45: New sample of the Shahed 129 UAV with a nose cone for reception of Satcom antenna
Fig 46: The Shahed 129 UAV production line
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Fig 47: Shahed 129 command center
The reconnaissance missions of the UAV are investigated within and outside
the country, and even the UAV has a crash within the country (due to the technical
fault of the engine) which represents the UAV is operative.
Fig 48: The first accident of the Shahed 129 inside Iran
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Fig 49: The Hamaseh UAV
Hamaseh
The prototype of this UAV was unveiled on (2013 May 9), in presence of the
Defense Minister. In the prototype, the Hamaseh UAV has been embedded with two
weapons mounting position with an unusual appearance and a weapon was attached
to each mock–up. In the Kish Air exhibition (2016), the newer sample of the UAV
was represented, which in addition to the noticeable changes in the appearance of
the UAV, the Propulsion unit, the form of fitting pylon under wing has also been
changed. The Hamaseh UAV is mainly the result of development of Ababil 3 UAV,
and in the prototype of this UAV, wings, engine, and landing gear are similar to
those of Ababil 3 and just the appearance has changed.
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Fig 50: The prototype of Hamaseh UAV
Fig 51: Ababil 3 landing in Iraq
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Fig 52: The apparent similarity of the wings of the Hamaseh to that of the Ababil 3
Fig 53: Different propulsion and propeller in the new sample
Fig 54: The propulsion of the Hamaseh UAV prototype
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The UAV does not have a targeting system in both examples, but it has the
capacity to accept the electro-optic targeting system installed in the Toofan
helicopter as its predecessor (Ababil 3). In the samples of Ababil 3 in Syria and Iraq,
the electro-optical site used in the Toofan 2 helicopter is visible under the body of
this UAV and therefore, the Hemaseh UAV can also benefit from the targeting
system.
Fig 55&56: Ababil 3 crashed in Syria
In the new sample of the Hemaseh UAV, a type of air - to - surface weapon
(probably without propulsion) had been loaded under the wing, which reflects
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attention on combat missions in this UAV. There is no information about the
specifics of the weapon, and the weapon has never been officially unveiled.
Fig 57: Hamaseh
With a view to the production and utilization and mass-producing by 200
Ababil 3 UAV, we can say that the Hamaseh has high luck in mass production!
However, in this class a few UAVs have been proposed by industries related to the
army and IRGC ، but it can still be considered because of the characteristics of this
UAV, such as wide wings and high potential for load carrying. In addition to
offensive missions, the UAV can be used in light disrupter transport to disrupt
wireless communications and also drive artillery fire.
Fig 58: The Ababil 3 UAV with serial number belonging to IRGC
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Fig 59: Fotros UAV
The Fotros is an MALE UAV and a model taken from Israeli Heron UAV and
SOP UAV. The UAV has been unveiled after unveiling of Hamaseh UAV. This
UAV is in the development stage and its future program is producing the sample
with a Turboprop propulsion, which will improve its capabilities, especially in the
field of weapons transport. In the Kish Air exhibition, a mockup of the UAV
named Fotros 110 was represented.
Fig 60: The flight of prototype of the Fotros UAV
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Fig 61: Fotros 110 UAV
At the time of the exhibition of the UAV, two weapons mounting positions
were fixed under the wings, each carrying an air-to- surface missile of the type of
American Hellfire missiles, which represents the definition of combat missions for
this UAV. No specific details of the weapon have yet been published, but the weapon
seems to be made due to access of Iran to the American UAV (such as MQ -
1Predator) and Iranian defense industries are prototyping and producing this
weapon.
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Fig 62: armed fotros
Fig 63: The Sarir UAV
The Sarir is a two - engine UAV with an unusual appearance made according
to the RQ-5 Hunter. The UAV was represented at the 2013 military parade at the
Iran Khatam Al-Anbia air defense. It has never been officially unveiled, and there
are not details of its characteristics and functionality. In general, the Sarir UAV, has
two engines and its flight endurance is about five to ten hours and has been equipped
with two. Misaq anti-aircraft missile mounting position. According to the low speed
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and short range of its missiles, The UAV mission is ، the aerial reconnaissance
missions (after receiving warning from pre - warning radars) on the defensive point
and conflict with enemy cruise missiles and UAV. The operation of this UAV is
similar to Mohajer 4. After showing the UAV, the commander of Khatam Al-Anbia
air defense announced about Hazem 3 UAV whose mission is similar to the Sarir
UAV. No information has ever been made available to the public.
Fig 64: The Mohajer 4 UAV
The Mohajer interceptor drone is a UAV with propeller engine built on the base
of the Mohajer 4 UAV which was unveiled in August 2014. It has been equipped
with two Misaq anti - aircraft missiles, as well as the two - channel electro-optic
targeting system to seek the airborne targets. The UAV, as the name suggests, has
been developed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft or missiles in combat
missions. Using a low - speed propeller operating platform but with greater stability
in the sky (than samples equipped with jet) indicating having a long flight endurance
is the first priority of the UAV
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Fig 65: Images of destruction of the target UAV by the Mohajer target drone
The UAV is likely to perform aerial reconnaissance missions ( a circular or
vulture flight pattern ) on the defensive point ( after initial identification of the
attacking missiles by pre - warning radars ) and intercept with enemy cruise missiles
and UAVs .Due to the appearance of the launcher, it seems that the weapon used in
the UAV is Misaq 1 anti-aircraft missile which is a shoulder launch missile with a
range of 5 in which case the use of the Misaq 1 ( instead of Misaq 2 ) may indicate
how old this project is .
Fig 66: The Mohajem 92 UAV
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The Mohajem 92 UAV was unveiled on the sidelines of the Army Air Force
exhibition in 2016. The UAV can be built based on the experiences obtained by
employing the Mohajer family and possibly Ababil UAV. The name of this UAV
(means attacker) indicates the type of mission considered for this UAV. In spite of
the two years since the launch of the project, the UAV is not equipped with the
necessary equipment to carry out the assigned mission, which reflects the speed and
progress of the project. As the Hemaseh UAV appeared to be a sample of Fotros
UAV in a smaller scale, this UAV is apparently the smaller sample of the Kaman 12
UAV. Of course, before unveiling the smaller sample named Mohajem 92 which
was indicating the lunch of a project aiming construction of an interceptor drone,
this UAV has been unveiled without any name in the air defense exhibit The
prototype would benefit from the wide LERX, and the site of the engine installation
was in the close to the end rather than the end of the body. With this information we
can say that the UAV hadn’t been a target UAV contrary to what was guessed
Fig 67: The first example observed in the defense exhibit
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In the next sample (Mohajem 92) the engine has been shifted to the end of the
body, as well as the radom saliency has been considered in the design.
Fig 68: Mohajem 92
The last example (Kaman 12), which was displayed on the day of unveiling
Akhgar missile. Its size is roughly doubled, and blended winglet has been used at
the end of the wings. This design, in the world, is also related to the recent years. It
was used in the Airbus’s commercial models with Sharklet design in a320 as well as
in the General Atomics military samples to increase the range of MQ-1C ER Gray
Eagle, Predator B ER, and Grey Eagle. The design was apparently used to increase
the flight endurance. This curve shape of the body was first seen among Iranian
UAVs.
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Fig 69: Kaman 12
Fig 70: Predator B extended range
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Fig 71: Simorgh UAV
On December 4, 2011, it was announced that Iran trapped and achieved an
American plane RQ-170 Sentinel by IRGC. Then the RQ-170 UAV was shown with
an almost healthy appearance by the IRGC aerospace commander. The UAV was
carefully studied and analyzed. Information related to memories and the system
components was extracted. Then the UAV was used for reverse engineering. In the
first step, samples with a scale of 15 and 40 percent of the real size were made and
displayed in order to perform after reverse engineering tests, planning, and
performance analysis. One of the samples was exhibited in the aerospace exhibit
with the American UAV and its full - scale mock-up. It is basically the example of
the radio control version of the Simorgh UAV. It has all the apparent characteristics
of the American UAV. Maybe the published images in October 2014 were related
to the flight of this UAV.
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Fig 72: Mockup of Simorgh UAV
Fig 73: Radio control version
Unlike other aircrafts, the engine model of UAV is not exactly known. Due to
restrictions on supplying parts from other countries, it is predicted that the J-85
turbojet engine will be used in the Simorgh UAV. It is also possible to use reverse
engineering for the engine of the UAV.
Finally, the full - scale version of the UAV in the “Turning Threats into
Opportunities" exhibition of IRGC Aerospace Force was showed and its flight
images were presented in the corresponding report.
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Fig 74-76: The UAV construction steps
Fig 77: In the “Turning Threats into Opportunities" exhibition
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Fig 78-80: Test flights
The Simorgh UAV based on aerodynamic and the RQ-170 structure with a
nonmetal body has been produced. According to the IRGC aerospace commander,
by the end of 2014 four Iranian RQ-170 would be produced and its mass production
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program has been proposed by the end of this year. This UAV will be produced in
different sizes.
The Simorgh UAV family in different scales: According to information
published about different types of the Simorgh UAV ، at least four different scales of
the Simorgh UAV have been developed with different operational goals and testing
so far and ،two UAVs models have been developed on a scale 100 percent with a b-
wing span of 13.5 m. so far models of the UAV have been developed in the %60
scale including The Simorgh UAV having the Retractable wheel-type landing gear
and with the reconnaissance mission , the Shahed 171 UAV with the attack mission
and the capability of carrying four Sadid bombs inside the body and having the
Retractable wheel-type landing gear with a b-wing span of 8.1 m
In information published on the Simorgh UAV family, two prototypes of the
Simorgh UAV have been produced, one of them in the scales of 40% with the wing
mouth of 5.4 m and another in the scales of 15 % with the wing mouth of 2m. It
seems that at least one operational product in the scale less than 60% (the exact scale
is not known) has been used.
Fig 81: The Saeghe UAV
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Fig 82: The Saeghe UAV with a mini-turbojet engine
Fig 83: The Saeghe UAV with an appearance similar to propeller driven UAVs
The RQ-170, a high altitude and long endurance UAV, is able to conduct
surveillance and reconnaissance. After Iran’s access to the UAV and its inverse
engineering project, a program has been developed for the design of its combat type.
Two models of this UAVs were showed in the “Turning Threats into Opportunities"
exhibition of IRGC Aerospace Force. These UAVs with the name of Saeghe in the
size about half of the RQ 170 UAV (probably at a scale of 40%), which one of them
due to the lack of air input in the front of the UAV, uses a piston-driven engines
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turning propellers and the other example of the RQ-170 UAV uses a mini-turbojet
or turbofan engine.
Fig 84: Shahed 191 & Saeqeh in IRIGC drone war game
Fig 85: Shahed 191 dropping Sadid smart bomb
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Fig 86: The producing line of Sadid 342 air-to-surface bomb
In spite of the difference in the type of propulsion, these UAVs are similar in
term of size, and both use the Sadid 342 bombs to attack to the desired targets.
Additional details about the components and their function are not available to the
public. And even some of its components, such as the electro-optic targeting site, are
not installed on the exposed UAVs. Which are considered negligible in a prototype
and a product under development! It is also likely to be a mock - up and even
produced to body test.
But there is another possibility. The first possibility is using Saeghe as a low -
cost launcher platform for the Simorgh UAV and other reconnaissance UAVs! This
approach can be used in situations like fighting to terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.
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So the problem of distance and long time to return to the base of operations and re -
load will be solved using propulsion jet and with sound speed.
Another possibility is to use cameras beneath the UAV for the target seeking
with regard to the absence of target seeking site in the final helicopter samples of the
Shahed 285, we can also consider such a hypothesis.
It is worth mentioning that for fixed target such as radar sites and air bases,
which are among the main aerospace targets of IRGC, it is not necessary to have
permanent monitoring for targeting, and it can be accomplished only with a
preliminary information, recognition and the finally intercepting and targeting (such
as cruise missiles).
It is to be mentioned that the history of using anti - armor weapons against the
radar sites dates back to the first Persian gulf War that American Apache helicopters
attacked Iraqi radar sites with Hellfire missiles and made the sky safer for other
aircrafts. The Saeghe UAV can have the capability to carry out combat operations
outside the country’s borders, if it has satellite navigation equipment. The UAV '
wings can accommodate the necessary fuel to carry out such missions, as well as its
engine compartment, is capable of fielding engines with the dimensions of the
Toloue mini-jet engine, which provides the appropriate power for the UAV.
Satellite navigation of the Shahed 129 UAV
In the “Eqtedar 40 ‘exhibit a version of the Shahed 129 UAV was showed,
which had a prominence on the forehead which strengthened the suspicion of
satellite navigation. This suspicion converted to the certainty by publishing a video
of this UAV. It is most likely that this version of the Shahed 129 according to the
previous announcement will have a range of 3000 km. But the question is, what
satellite system is used for guidance of this UAV ؟ A few years ago, Mashregh News
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reported that Iran had signed a deal with China to use BeiDou system .According to
the deal China will establish a land station to use the system in Iran. And recently,
according to unofficial sources, Iran is using Russian GLONAS to guide “Yasin "
bombs. As a result, it is likely to predict the possibility of using both the Russian
and Chinese systems for guidance of the Shahed 129 UAV.
Fig 87: Shahed 129 with SatCom
Fig 88: Shahed 129 SatCom antenna
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Fig 89: unnamed new dual engine drone
In an exhibition a composite dual-engine UAV was featured, which, according to
available information, is the first privately owned and first two-engine UAV of Iran
.
Until now, all Iranian drones were single-engine except for one. Even the largest
Iranian drones, including Fotras and Shahed 129 use a combustion engine like their
foreign counterparts, such as the MQ-1 Predictor and Hermes-450. even Sarir had
a Push-pull configuration not a common tractor dual engine configuration .
This dual-engine Iranian UAV, which is clearly made of carbon composite to have
minimum weight, uses a dual tail shape. This tail shape is a great choice for small
and medium-sized drones in general, with good structural strength and weight. The
two engines of the UAV are mounted on both sides of the fuselage and on the wings.
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Fig 90: side view
Fig 91: engin & Satcom
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Given that the drone uses a piston engine, the large space behind the engines is likely
to be used to retrieve the landing gear. Some fuel may also be stored in this space.
Also there is no need to overhang the length of the main body of the UAV, resulting
in a relatively short body in the UAV. Also, the configuration of the UAV makes it
possible to have a full 360-degree view of the underside of the UAV if there is optical
or radar detection under the body.
Depending on the wing's dimensions of about 8 meters and being two-engine, the
flight altitude can be estimated at about 7,000 to 8,000 meters, which is a good
altitude for an aircraft identification platform. It is also likely that the UAV's flight
duration should be at least 10 hours.
Fig 92: Pelican VTOL UAV
The Pelican 2 UAV, unveiled this year in the presence of Army Deputy Chief of
Staff Amir Mohammad Mahmoudi and Admiral Hussein Khanzadi is the first
Iranian amphibious drone and capable of patrol and reconnaissance missions. The
UAV has the ability to take off and land vertically.
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It appears that the structural configuration of this drone is based on the successful
configuration used in Mohajer drone and mostly mohajer-2. This configuration
includes a short cylindrical body with an engine at the bottom and a Twin Boom, but
the navy`s one differs from the Mohajer-2 in the horizontal tail.
Fig 93: Pelican in vertical takeoff pose
Another aspect of the positive distinction of this drone is its positive buoyancy and
resistance to permeability when landing on the surface of the water, which allows
this case to land and recover in emergency situations without damage. Pelican 2 has
successfully completed its HAT and SAT field tests.
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Fig 94: subscale model of Sejjil UCAV
Sejjil is the name of I.R.Navy`s combat jet drone which is very similar to the
Barracuda and Keratos -XQ-58 drones and features stealth technology with a
trapezoidal fuselage with a chined edge, V-shape tail, and an S-duct air inlet to
scatter deflected radar.
The Sejjil UAV uses two jet engines that makes it able to reach 1000km/h speed and
can be flown overboard and retrieved by parachute.
Fig 95: Balaban Iranian small diameter bomb, potential weapon of Sejjil
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Fig 96: Saher UAV
Saher UAV was revealed in 2016. This UAV has a flying time of 10 hours and a top
speed of 180 km / h and a flight altitude of 6000 meters.
The main missions of the UAV are photography and monitoring in environmental
missions, fires and traffic. A special place for down looking SAR radar is Located
under the fuselage as well as a SATCOM in the nose.