Iranian Kamikaze Drone Arash-2
Launch of the Arash UAV from a ground installation. Photo Telegram / ImpNavigator
For a long time, the Iranian defense industry has paid great attention to the direction of unmanned aerial vehicles. Similar complexes of different classes are being developed, incl. disposable drums Drones-kamikaze. One of the most interesting samples of this kind is the Arash-2 UAV, suitable for use on different platforms and showing outstanding performance.
On a ready basis
No later than 2012-13 Iranian industry has begun production of the Kian-1 unmanned target. An aircraft-type UAV with a spindle-shaped fuselage, a delta wing and a jet engine was intended for training calculations of radars and anti-aircraft systems. Later, its improved version "Kian-2" was created. Since their inception, both drones have been actively used in various exercises.
Possible ways to upgrade the Kian series UAVs were mentioned. So, to improve some characteristics, it was possible to replace the jet engine with a piston one. In addition, the target could become a strike drone - for this it was proposed to put a warhead on it. As it became known later, all these ideas were worked out, which eventually led to the emergence of new projects.
In 2019, it became known about the appearance of a new Arash UAV, designed to strike at distant enemy targets. Later there were reports about the product "Arash-2". As far as is known, both variants of the strike complex entered service with the Iranian army and were repeatedly used as part of the exercises.
Not so long ago, in September, after the next exercise, a demonstration of modern weapons took place. At this exhibition, new versions of the Arash were shown with full-fledged homing heads capable of finding and tracking a target. It is likely that by the time of the first open demonstration, UAVs with GOS entered service and went into production. Soon they may be shown in action.
UAVs in service
Attack unmanned systems of the Arash series are currently available only to the Iranian armed forces. They are operated together with other UAVs of different classes and types, but at the same time they occupy a specific niche. The product "Arash" is used as a long-range high-precision weapons for different platforms - in fact, land and sea-based cruise missiles.
For the ground forces, several variants of the Arash complex based on a cargo chassis have been developed. The vehicle carries launch guides or transport-launch containers of large dimensions. It is possible to place several drones on one chassis.
Arash complexes are now also available from the naval forces. So, in the middle of last summer, the Iranian fleet demonstrated the use of various types of UAVs from a landing ship and an auxiliary vessel. Drones of various types were used, incl. one of the versions of "Arash". Perhaps the idea of deploying UAVs on ships will be developed, and new carriers of such equipment will appear in the Iranian Navy.
Over the past few weeks, rumors have been circulating about the possible delivery of Iranian kamikaze drones to the Russian army. Various media outlets and sources report that Moscow may have secretly bought large quantities of Arash-2 products from Tehran for use in Ukraine. However, such information has not yet received any confirmation. There are no official statements in this regard; evidence in the form of debris and destroyed targets also did not appear.
Technical features
"Arash-2" is a medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicle or projectile capable of flying to a specified target and hitting it with a direct hit. The basic version of such a UAV is designed to hit stationary targets with known coordinates, while the upgraded products will also be able to attack moving objects in a given area.
The UAV is gaining altitude. Photo by Tasnim News
The drone is built according to the "tailless" scheme. It has a streamlined fuselage with a large elongation. In its central part, a mid-positioned triangular wing is attached. The tail unit includes only the keel. The total length of the product is approx. 4,5 m, wingspan - no more than 3,5-4 m. The weight characteristics of the device are unknown.
In the tail section of the fuselage, openly and without a fairing, an air-cooled piston engine with a pusher propeller is installed. A solid-propellant starting engine is suspended under the fuselage, which is reset after running out of fuel.
The piston engine limits the maximum speed, but is economical and allows you to increase the duration and range of the flight. The speed characteristics of the Arash-2 are unknown. The design of the airframe indicates the possibility of obtaining high subsonic speeds. During the exercises, a range of about 1400 km was shown. According to various estimates, the maximum value of this parameter can reach 2 thousand km.
"Arash-2" of the basic version is equipped with an autopilot, as well as satellite and inertial navigation systems. With the help of such devices, the UAV is able to reach the designated target with the given coordinates. Whether it is possible to enter the optimal route, correct the flight task after launch or reassign targets is unknown.
Recently, modernized drones with full-fledged seekers were shown. New head fairings indicate the use of infrared or optical means of searching and tracking the target. It should be noted that such a modification of the UAV can be considered a full-fledged loitering ammunition. She is able not only to move towards her target, but to remain in a given area and look for or wait for her, and then strike.
"Arash" in flight in marching mode. Photo by Tasnim News
The UAV is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Its mass can be estimated in tens of kilograms. It allows you to hit various buildings, incl. protected, as well as equipment and manpower in open areas or in shelters.
It is curious that Arash-2 is used with different types of launchers. So, on land platforms, large-sized rectangular TPKs with internal guides are used. There is also a simplified installation - a stand with three points of support for the device. Similar devices are used on cars and trailers to increase the ammunition load, as well as on ships to save space. In all cases, the starting engine provides a confident exit from the installation and initial acceleration.
Clear benefits
As far as is known, the Iranian industry now produces several types of kamikaze drones and loitering ammunition. One of these samples is Arash-2, and it can show certain advantages over other samples of its class.
The main advantage of the Arash complexes should be considered their origin. Two attack drones are made on the basis of an existing target. During this restructuring, it was possible to save key units, such as a glider or control systems. In fact, the entire alteration came down to installing a warhead and reconfiguring control systems. At the same time, it was possible to obtain a certain potential for further modernization - already successfully implemented.
Both the Kian target and the Arash kamikaze drone have sufficiently high flight characteristics to ensure the solution of the assigned tasks. In the first case, flight data make it possible to plausibly simulate the means of an air attack of a mock enemy, and they make it easier for Arash to break through to the target and complete the combat mission.
Upgraded UAVs with seeker. Photo Telegram / ImpNavigator
In the first version, the Arash-2 UAV follows the target solely through navigation systems, incl. independent of external signals. Such a system is distinguished by the accuracy of guidance, as well as high noise immunity. Its complete suppression is virtually impossible. New GOS variants are capable of actively searching for a target and expanding combat capabilities, but may be subject to negative outside influences.
Of great importance is compatibility with different media. In Iran, Arash products are used both on land and at sea. Thanks to this, the complex becomes interspecific, which gives clear operational and combat advantages.
UAVs like Arash are inherently functional analogues of cruise missiles. At the same time, a kamikaze drone is much simpler and cheaper than a full-fledged rocket, and besides, it can be transferred to different platforms without much difficulty. The Iranian army makes full use of such opportunities and receives all their advantages.
Outcome of development
In recent decades, Iran has considered unmanned systems as one of the priority areas, and now you can see the results of this approach. Products of all main classes and types have been developed, produced and put into service, incl. loitering ammunition with different capabilities.
At the moment, the Arash-2 UAV is one of the latest developments in its class. It shows at what level of technology and ideas the Iranian unmanned aircraft industry is, and in addition, it demonstrates interesting solutions aimed at obtaining the desired results. With all this, it is obvious that the development of Iranian kamikaze drones will not stop at Arash-2, and no less interesting samples will appear in the future.
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