(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Iranian defense industry has unveiled an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) known as “Shaed-147,” categorized as a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drone, capable of flying at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet and remaining in the airspace for an extended period.
The introduction of the Shaed-147 drone underscores Iran’s commitment and its defense industry’s efforts in developing high-capability unmanned aircraft.
With a wingspan reaching 26 meters, this high-capacity drone is equipped with various state-of-the-art technologies, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), enabling it to execute surveillance and monitoring missions.
The Shaed-147 is powered by a turboprop engine.
Featuring SAR capabilities, the recently added Shaed-147 drone to the Iranian military inventory can produce high-resolution images even in adverse weather conditions.
Its ability to operate at high altitudes for an extended duration will undoubtedly enhance Iran’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly during escalating tensions in the region.
The operational radius of the Shaed-147 drone allows it to perform surveillance and reconnaissance tasks over vast areas.
Currently, its primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Recently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed an upgraded variant, the “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone, for the first time.
The design of the “Shahid 149-Gaza,” produced by Iran’s domestic defense industry, closely resembles the well-known “MQ-9 Reaper” drone manufactured by General Atomics in the United States.
Iran likely developed the “Shahid 149-Gaza” drone through reverse engineering efforts by its weapons experts, following the successful downing of a US-made drone by its allied forces on the battlefield.
According to Major General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the drone is named “Gaza” in memory of those who fought against the illegitimate Zionist occupation.
The “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone, designed by Shahed Aviation Industries and manufactured by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation (HESA), was first unveiled to the public in 2021.
In addition to its armament systems, the drone can carry various other systems, including electro-optical equipment, high-resolution cameras, infrared systems, laser designation, and laser illumination, making it one of Iran’s most advanced drones.
According to Iranian local media, the drone has a capability to stay airborne for 35 hours, covering 7,000 km in a single mission, and can reach a speed of 350 km/h using a 750 horsepower engine.
The Iranian military employs the drone for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, but its hardpoints indicate that it can also be equipped with various weapon systems for combat missions.
The “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone is designed to replace the earlier “Shahed 129” drone used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since 2012. — DSA
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