Iran presented the Shahed-238 jet UAV
UAV "Shahed-238" of three modifications at an exhibition in Tehran. Still from Iranian TV report
The Iranian defense industry is known for its developments in the field of unmanned aviation, and regularly introduces new designs. At a recent exhibition in Tehran, the promising attack unmanned aerial vehicle Shahed-238 was demonstrated for the first time. Externally and in its design, it is similar to some already known samples, but at the same time it differs in the composition of the units. Due to this, it has higher tactical and technical characteristics.
Two premieres
At the end of September, Iranian television showed a documentary film dedicated to national developments in the field of unmanned aircraft. It showcased all the major latest UAV models, as well as some new products. Thus, for the first time, a tailless drone was openly shown, outwardly similar to the well-known Shahed-136 device, but equipped with a jet engine. Any details of this project were not disclosed at that time. Its exact name also remained unknown.
However, recently the first information about this development appeared. Thus, on November 19, Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visited the Ashura University of Aerospace Sciences and Technology (Tehran). For the visit of a high-ranking official, the university and defense industry enterprises prepared an exhibition of modern and advanced weapons, at which they showed several interesting samples.
"Shahed-238" during testing, bottom view. Still from Iranian TV report
As part of this exhibition, the official “premiere” of a new attack UAV called “Shahed-238” took place. Judging by its characteristic appearance, this particular device previously appeared in a documentary television program. At the same time, three modifications were presented at the exhibition drone with different design features and corresponding differences in functions and capabilities.
Unfortunately, detailed information about the new Iranian UAV is not yet available. Only its most basic features and differences from previous products of the “Shahed” series are revealed. However, it can be expected that in the future developers or operators will disclose the most interesting information. In addition, even the available data now allows us to make some assumptions and conclusions.
It is not reported what stage the Shahed-238 project is at, and how soon such UAVs will reach the troops. We can assume that it has already reached, at least, flight tests. Considering the pace of development of Iranian unmanned aircraft, we should expect an early launch of mass production and the start of deliveries to the armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In addition, interest from third countries and the emergence of export contracts cannot be ruled out.
On a ready basis
The new Iranian UAV is similar in appearance to the well-known Shahed-136 product. This fact led to the emergence of a version about the continuity of the two projects. It is assumed that the new Shahed-238 drone is actually a modified and improved version of the previous model, which received a new engine and other devices. Whether this is true is unknown, but the presence of common technical solutions and some components is obvious.
Modern Iranian UAVs at a recent exhibition. Still from Iranian TV report
The new Shahed-238 is built according to the “tailless” design with a pronounced fuselage, smoothly coupled with a delta wing. The wing tips have vertical surfaces. On top of the rear fuselage there is a protruding air intake for the propulsion system. The tail of the device itself is designed in the form of an ogival-shaped fairing with a hole for the engine nozzle.
Probably, the similarities between the two UAVs are not limited to just appearance. They may have the same dimensions and similar weight parameters. In this case, Shahed-238 has a total length of approx. 3,5 m with a wingspan of approx. 2,5 m. The launch weight is at least 200 kg, and up to a quarter of it can be the warhead.
Shahed-238, unlike its predecessor, received a power plant in the form of a single turbojet engine. A compact product of an unnamed model is used, which has small dimensions, sufficient traction characteristics and a short service life corresponding to the operating conditions. Apparently, it was the replacement of the engine that was the main goal of the project - due to it it was planned to change the flight characteristics and the associated combat qualities.
At the exhibition in Tehran, three modifications of the new UAV were demonstrated, differing in the composition of the controls. A product with a solid nose cone likely has inertial and/or satellite navigation means, with the help of which it can fly along a given route to an intended fixed target.
Russian UAV "Geran-2" over Ukraine. Photo by AFP
Another exhibition sample received a transparent fairing, indicating the use of an optical or infrared homing head or the ability of the operator to detect and capture a target. In the third exhibit, the fairing was covered with some kind of cover or sticker. Perhaps this UAV received a radar seeker.
Not long ago it became known about the appearance of the reconnaissance modification “Shahed-136”. It differs from the basic version by an optical-electronic “ball” under the nose. In a recent documentary about UAVs, Iranian television showed a similar version of the new Shahed-238. However, such a drone was absent from the exhibition.
Having dimensions and weight at the level of the Shaheda-136, the new UAV should use the same launchers. It is known that such drones can be launched from inclined guides in a stationary design or on a suitable ground platform. A self-propelled launcher on a vehicle chassis with transport and launch containers is also produced.
Technical potential
Judging by the available data, the new Iranian UAV "Shahed-238" is indeed a further development of the previous "Shahed-136". The deep modernization of the original model was carried out mainly through the installation of a different engine, which led to a change in the main flight characteristics. In addition, the combat qualities of the device have changed.
The UAV gliders of the two models have minimal differences, which simplifies the simultaneous production of equipment of the two models. The same applies to on-board equipment. Previously, the Iranian industry showed new modifications of the Shahed-136 with homing heads, and now the same or similar devices were used in the Shahed-238 project.
One of the launcher options for the Shahed-136 vehicles. Photo Telegram / Dambiev
The older kamikaze drone “Shahed-136” is equipped with a 50 hp internal combustion engine. with a push screw. Such a power plant accelerates the vehicle to 180-190 km/h, and a large supply of fuel in the free volumes of the structure allows a range of about 2-2,5 thousand km. It is likely that the new jet engine has increased power and can significantly increase flight speed. In this case, one should expect a certain reduction in range associated with higher fuel consumption while maintaining the amount of fuel on board.
A characteristic feature of the Shahed-136 is its reduced visibility for radar surveillance equipment. The new Shahed-238 does not have a rotating propeller, and the protruding air intake is located on the upper side of the airframe. All this should further reduce the visibility of the UAV and increase the likelihood of an air defense breakthrough.
It can be assumed that in terms of combat qualities, the new Shahed-238 is generally similar to the previous Shahed-136. At the same time, he is able to travel a given route faster and attack a target, although this will require sacrificing his combat radius. The presence of several on-board equipment options with different functions will provide more flexible application. Depending on the type of target, it will be possible to use guidance by coordinates or using a seeker. It is also possible to conduct reconnaissance, incl. in the interests of using other UAVs. The new complex will also be able to use different launchers corresponding to the current task.
New launcher with containers. Still from Iranian TV report
Extended line
Iranian industry has long mastered the production of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and is producing them en masse. This technique is used to solve problems both by the Iranian armed forces and by loyal foreign forces. In addition, last year a Russian version of this product appeared - “Geranium-2”. This type of UAV is widely used by the Russian army and clearly demonstrates its potential and capabilities.
In the recent past, Iran modernized the Shahed-136 and equipped it with new guidance systems. In addition, its reactive modification has now actually been developed. The resulting Shahed-238 product retains all the advantages of the basic design, and also has its own strengths. At the same time, it was possible to maintain the potential for further upgrades.
It should be expected that the new Iranian UAV will soon reach mass production and enter service with the troops - of course, if a production model has not already been shown at the exhibition. In its presented form, “Shahed-238” in all modifications has every chance of repeating the successes of its predecessor. At the same time, Iranian drones can now count on interest from customers. Its appearance will be facilitated by both their own positive qualities and advertising in the form of Russian experience in using standardized “Geraniums”.
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