Shahed-149 Gaza

Summary

Category Military Drones
Origin country 🇮🇷 Iran
ManufacturerHESA
Year introduced2022
Number produced3 units

Technical specifications

Version: None
Operational range7,000 km (4,350 mi)
Endurance24 hours
Maximum speed 340 km/h (211 mph)
Wingspan21 m (68.9 ft)
Height3.2 m (10.5 ft)
Length10 m (32.8 ft)
Service ceiling11,000 m (36,089 ft)
Max. takeoff weight3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Powerplant1 x Turboprop engine

All operators

🇮🇷 Iran

Armament

Bombs payload:

  • Up to 13 bombs (internal rotating-arm release system)

Description

The Shahed 149 Gaza is an Iranian high-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. It was unveiled on 21 May 2021 and named after the Gaza Strip amid the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, then reportedly accepted for service in April 2022. Iranian sources describe it as a twin-boom, turboprop-powered aircraft broadly comparable in appearance and role to the American MQ-9 Reaper, and larger and heavier than Iran's earlier Shahed 129.

According to figures released by Iran, the drone has a 21 m wingspan, a 10 m length, a maximum takeoff weight of 3,200 kg, a cruise speed of 340 km/h, a service ceiling of 11,000 m and an endurance of about 24 hours, with a stated combat radius of 2,500 km. These performance and capability claims originate largely with the Iranian government and have not been independently verified. Iran states the aircraft carries electro-optical/infrared sensors and up to 13 bombs released through an internal rotating-arm mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the Shahed-149 Gaza?
The HESA Shahed-149 Gaza is a military drones aircraft developed by HESA and entered service in 2022.
What is the maximum speed of the Shahed-149 Gaza?
The HESA Shahed-149 Gaza has a maximum speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).
What is the range of the Shahed-149 Gaza?
The HESA Shahed-149 Gaza has an operational range of 7,000 km (4,349 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
How many Shahed-149 Gaza have been built?
3 units of the HESA Shahed-149 Gaza have been produced since it entered service in 2022.
What is the service ceiling of the Shahed-149 Gaza?
The HESA Shahed-149 Gaza has a service ceiling of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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