Iran Reveals Shahed-147 High-Altitude Spy Drone
Iran recently introduced its latest unmanned aerial vehicle, the Shahed-147, a sophisticated high-altitude long-endurance drone developed for surveillance missions. The advanced system highlights Iran’s continually growing domestic defense industry.
Impressive Performance Parameters
Details emerged at a rollout ceremony attended by Iranian defense officials. The sizable Shahed-147 features a 26 meter wingspan allowing extended flight time through improved aerodynamics.
Meanwhile, the drone’s specialized turboprop propulsion system enables operations at ceiling altitudes reaching 60,000 feet for persistent monitoring over vast areas.
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Optimized for ISR Roles
The twin-boom design of the Shahed-147 maximizes internal payload space for the integration of advanced radar and sensor systems used in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles.
Notably, engineers incorporated a high-tech synthetic aperture radar able to generate detailed terrain imagery in all weather conditions – a capability leap for Iranian drones.
Expanding the UAS Fleet
The Shahed-147 joins over a dozen other Iranian unmanned aerial system models with diverse designs and capabilities.
From short-range tactical drones to the Simorgh jet-powered UCAV, Iran is proving proficiency in developing unmanned platforms for strategic needs as sanctions place limits on imports.
Achieving Self-Reliance
The growing Iranian UAS inventory symbolizes improving self-sufficiency for the country’s defense establishment in next-generation technologies.
Domestic expertise in areas like aerodynamics, avionics, sensors radars, and advanced composites enables ambitious systems like the Shahed-147.
Deterring Regional Adversaries
Fielding increasingly capable spy drones strengthens Iran’s intelligence gathering and border monitoring abilities to deter potential adversaries.
The Shahed-147’s operational reach ensures comprehensive regional ISR coverage from Iran’s territory for strategic decision-making.
Future UAS Export Potential
If recent sales of Iranian combat drones to Russia offer precedent, the Shahed-147 may also have eventual export appeal.
Countries unwilling or unable to purchase top-tier Global Hawk UAVs could turn to proven Iranian alternatives at lower cost.
The entrance of the Shahed-147 highlights the growing maturity of Iran’s defense industry. Domestically-designed systems like the new drone reduce reliance on other suppliers to enhance national security.
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