Preview: Shahed 285 Update

Here's a little graphical representation I drew up in Google Sketchup to illustrate the instrument panel configuration on two variants of the Shahed 285.

News - Iran Equips IRGC with Large Numbers of 'Qiyam 1' Ballistic Missiles - FNA

Iran Equips IRGC with Large Numbers of 'Qiyam 1' Ballistic Missiles

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian Defense Ministry started supplying large numbers of 'Qiyam (Rise) 1' high-precision ballistic missiles to the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Sunday.

The new missiles were supplied to the IRGC in a ceremony attended by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi and Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

Article Continued at: http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9003016225


Photo Gallery at: http://english.farsnews.com/imgrep.php?nn=83010005

Brand new Qiams in 2011 (FNA)

More commonly spelled "Qiam-1", this ballistic missile was only recently unveiled during a test-firing in August 2010. During the delivery ceremony at least 10 missiles were visible in their storage configurations. This would seem to indicate that the current production rate is one per month which may or may not be the maximum potential capability.


The missile itself is reminiscent of Iran's other designs which are derivatives of the SCUD-family, specifically the Shahab-2/SCUD-C. The major difference was of course the "triconic" warhead and the removal of the four stabilizing fins at the rear of the missile. The implication to the latter is that the control mechanism/guidance is much more accurate which would have to account for the increased instability.

However the biggest debate so far over the missile has been about it's dimensions. While it is externally identical in most regards to the Shahab-2, some observers including the author have brought up the possibility that the missile is smaller then the Shahab-2/SCUD-C. My own calculations indicate a diameter of .7 m and a height of 8.63 m versus a diameter of .88 m and a height of 11.25 m for the SCUD-C. Both numbers correspond to 76-79% of the original SCUD-C dimensions.

However there are a number of "unknowns" in this equation such as the height of the people being used as reference points, the distortion caused  by looking up at the top of the missile, and the distortion caused by measuring objects that are in different axis. These all add layers of inaccuracy on the calculations above.

The image most often used to measure the Qiam (FNA)

Moreover, there's also a number of "logical" concerns about scaling down the missile, the chief among them being "why"? Scaling a Shahab-2 down 20% offers no readily apparent advantage over a design that's already proven and has established tooling and production lines.

At this point, it is the opinion of this blog's author that the Qiam may or may not be somewhat smaller then the Shahab-2 and that we, while we should keep our minds open to the possibility, cannot say with undeniable conviction that there is a dimensional difference.







For detailed discussions on the dimensions and other characteristics of the missile, readers are invited to visit the following sites:


Arms Control Wonk - Iran's Qiam Missile Comments (2010)

Iran Military Forum - Qiam-1 Missile Tested Successfully (2010)

Iran Military Forum - Qiam-1 Missile is now Being Delivered to IRGC (2011)

News - Iran Starts Mass-Production of Powerful Anti-Armor Munitions - FNA

While I previously attempted a news section about this time last year it petered out after a month or so. Hopefully this new section will be more permanent and establish some semblance of a regular posting schedule for this site.

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Iran Starts Mass-Production of Powerful Anti-Armor Munitions

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran on Saturday started mass-production of anti-armor ammunition in an official ceremony attended by the country's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the mass production of 125mm and 105mm shells for Saqeb Anti-Armor System here in Tehran today, Vahidi stated that production of the new ammunition is aimed at bolstering the Armed Forces' capability in ground battles and creating a wide range of anti-armor ammunitions.

Article Continued at: http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9002310572

Photo Gallery at: http://www.irna.ir/Display.aspx?NID=030395338

The "Saqeb anti-armor system" are gun-launched armor-piercing-fin-stabilized-discarding-sabot (APFSDS) tank shells that rely on kinetic rather then explosive/chemical energy to penetrate the target. They have replaced HEAT as the preferred anti-tank round in most nations inventory.

There are two different types of APFSDSs that can be seen during the factory innaguration. The first of these is the 125 mm BM-22 which can be identified by its ring-type sabot and five large bore-riding fins at the rear of the penetrator.This was the easiest to identify as there was a cutaway poster clearly displaying the round and it's name. The BM-22 was the predominant round in the Soviet Army during the 70s and 80s and was the best APFSDS round Iraq had access to when they fought the US in 1991 and 2003; though by this time it was far too weak to penetrate the frontal armor of Western tanks. It's fins produce high drag and it's sabot style is generally thought to be inferior to more modern designs. (1)

The second type of round is the 125 mm BM-42 which can be identified by it's black color, funnel sabot and overall greater length though it still retains the high-drag fins of earlier designs.

No 105 mm APFSDS rounds were displayed.







 (1) Information about Soviet/Russian APFSDSs from: http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/

Small Arms - Pistols and Submachine guns

Small Arms - Pistols and Submachine guns

***The Following is an Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

PC-9

PC-9 (Diomil)

Iran's main service pistol, the PC-9 is a copy of the Sig Sauer P226. The gun competed with and eventually lost out to Beretta to provide the US's main service pistol. It has a reputation for accuracy, reliability and ease of use. The pistol is in service with the IRIP and all military branches.

Besides the PC-9, a small number of other handguns are in service with special units. For instance, bodyguards for high-level officials often use revolvers.

Specifications: PC-9
Cartridge: 9x19 mm
Length: 196 mm
Weight: 845 g
Muzzle Velocity: 335 m/s
Effective Range: 50 m
Magazine: 15 round


MPT-9

MPT-9 or MP-5A3, note the checkered handguard (Jamejam)

The MP-5 is one of the most well known submachine guns in the world and serves within the Iranian military in the IRIA, IRIN, IRGCGF and the IRIP.

The MP-5 is essentially a scaled-down G3 battle rifle. Iran produces the MP-5 domestically under the name MPT-9. The basic model features a collapsible stock, while the MPT-9S has a fixed stock. Iran also produces the MPT-9K, the compact SMG variety complete with a folding stock.

The MP-5 and variants in use by IRIP forces are used mostly in cities and CT units as border patrol units mostly carry AK-47's. It is also in service with IRIA units such as the 65th airborne brigade, certain naval marine units, and rare IRGC units.

Specifications: MPT-9
Cartridge: 9x19 mm
Length: MPT-9: 570 mm (500 mm closed), MPT-9S: 690 mm, MPT-9K (325 mm)
Weight: MPT-9: 3.08 kg, MPT-9S: 2.54 kg, MPT-9K: 2.2 kg
Muzzle Velocity: MPT-9/9S: 400 m/s, MPT-9K: 375 m/s
Effective Range: MPT-9/9S: 100 m, MPT-9K: 25 m
Magazine: 30 round

Uzi

IRIN Marine commando with Uzi (Fars News)

An Israeli submachine-gun, it has largely been replaced by the MPT-9, but still is used by select units such within the 65th airborne and some naval marines. One unique feature on pre-revolution Iranian Uzi's is a lion and crown imprinted on the rear of the gun as well as a stamped "IMI" and Persian lettering above the grip.

Specifications: Uzi
Cartridge: 9x19 mm
Length: 640 mm (470 mm closed)
Weight: 3.5 kg
Muzzle Velocity: 390 m/s
Effective Range: 100 m
Magazine: 20-50 round

PM-12

PM-12S (Fars News)

An Italian submachinegun manufactured by Beretta, the PM-12 is used by police forces throughout Europe. In Iranian service, the PM-12S is used by IRGC security forces, police, and some special forces.

Specifications: PM-12S
Cartridge: 9x19 mm
Length: 660 mm (418 mm closed)
Weight: 3.2 kg
Effective Range:150-200 m
Magazine: 20--32-40 round

Tondar-69 Tactical Ballistic Missile

Tondar-69 Tactical Ballistic Missile

***The Following is a Modified Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

Tondar-69, 2009 (Mehr News)

The Tondar-69 is a conversion of the HQ-2 SAM to a guided surface-to-surface missile like the Fateh-110. The missile is likely a domestic production of the Chinese CSS-8 which is an HQ-2 adapted for the same role.

The system is mounted on a static launcher like the HY-2, though can probably be easily towed and a self-propelled platform like a 6x6 truck is not out of the question given the mounting of missiles like the Fateh-110. Some sources indicate that the liquid-fueled 2nd stage has been replaced with solid fuel, but this is unconfirmed.

Some sources list the CEP as ranging from 50 m – 150 m, while this is possible, there is no conclusive evidence. Moreover, such a small CEP is significantly better then that found on the Fateh-110 which should be assumed to use a comparable system because they’re roughly of the same generation and if the Tondar-69 carried a much more effective INS, it would logically find it’s way into the Fateh-110.

Specifications: Tondar-69/CSS-8
Configuration: 2-stage, solid and/or liquid fuel
Weight: 2,650 kg
Length: 10.8 m
Diameter: .65 m
Max Range: 150 km
Min Range: 50 km
Warhead: 190 or 250 kg
Guidance: INS

Fateh-110 Tactical Ballistic Missile

Fateh-110 Tactical Ballistic Missile

***The Following is a Modified Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

IRGC Fateh-110 on HQ-2 style TEL (Fars News)

The Fateh-110 is a refined TBM, being a guided missile rather then a rocket like the Zelzal or Nazeat. The system emerged in May 2001 with full-scale production beginning at the earliest in late-2002 or 2003. There are three versions, the -110, and the -110A, and a yet unnamed third generation that was unveiled in August 2010. The program is likely directly connected with the Zelzal program as the basic dimensions between the two are nearly the same.

Some have asserted that it is a copy of the Chinese DF-11, but the dimensions of the two missiles make this unlikely. While the two share battlefield roles and it is plausible that the China used their experience with the DF-11 to lend assistance to Iran, there exists no concrete connection between the two projects that is apparent.

The Fateh-110(A) is mounted on a 6x6 truck similar to the Zelzal and Nazeat, though the TEL mechanism more closely resembles the SA-2 or Tondar-69 TBM (see below). Recently the missile was shown mounted on the exact same TEL as that associated with the Zelzal (1st picture under the Zelzal entry)

Guidance and control unit of the 3rd-gen Fateh-110 (Borna News)

The missile is externally very similar to the Zelzal, both are single-stage solid-fueled designs of the same size. Though there are several differences. First is the warhead, unlike the symmetrical warheads on the Zelzal or Nazeat, the Fateh-110(A)'s nose narrows sharply at the top. The next major difference is the configuration of the fins. The Fateh-110(A) features a set of four movable control surfaces mounted on the guidance unit just below the warhead, in addition to this there are four non-moving stabilizing fins at the rear of the missile with another set of four smaller static fins located just fore of the rear set.

The difference between the -110 and the 110A is unknown, though if the pattern of other TBM's is any indication, it relates to the size of the warhead and the corresponding range of the missile.

Gimballed gyro of 3rd-gen Fateh-110 (IRINN)

The third generation is also externally identical to the -110 though, according to DM Vahidi, it features improved accuracy and the ability to perform evasive maneuvers against ABM systems. This announcement was accompanied by a video of the impact from testing, a rarity among Iranian missile announcements; this lends at least some credence to the claim of improved accuracy. However this is by no means definitive. Video evidence suggests the missile uses a gimbaled gyro, most likely mechanical, for the INS guidance. The third generation is in production, with the first batch being delivered to the IRGC in time to coincide with Sacred Defense Week 2010. Later, during the same week, Fars News announced that the missile had a range of 300 km.

Some sources have claimed a combination of inertial and GPS guidance, however this is unconfirmed. Other sources have claimed EO terminal guidance, but this is not supported by the missiles appearance. Its poor CEP is attributable to its small control surfaces; instead of having regular jet vanes at the rear of the missile. The warhead may separate from the missile body in the terminal phase.

Specifications: Fateh-110
Configuration: Single-stage, solid fuel
Weight: 3,620 kg
Length: 8.76 m
Diameter: 616 mm
Max. Range: 250 km
Min. Range: 150 km
Warhead: 450 kg
CEP: <750 m*
Guidance: INS+??

* = at maximum range

Nazeat Tactical Ballistic Missile

Nazeat Tactical Ballistic Missile

***The Following is a Modified Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

The Nazeat family of rockets was an attempt by Iran to develop a FROG-7 equivalent during the 1980's with considerable help from China. They are sometimes called “Mushak”, which simply means missile.

The Nazeat system can be mounted on several platforms, including the 6x6 Mercedes-Benz trucks that also carry the Fajr-series rockets such as the 2631 series.

The rocket itself comes in two variants, the Nazeat-6H and the Nazeat-10H. Both are single-stage, solid-fueled and carry HE warheads, though can be equipped with a variety of warheads including sub-munitions or even CBRN payloads. They are unguided and fin-stabilized by four rear fins.

Non-standard Nazeat-6H TEL (SMM)

Specifications: Nazeat-6H
Configuration: Single stage, solid fuel
Weight: 960 kg
Length: 6.29 m
Diameter: 356 mm
Max. Range: 100 km
Min. Range: 80 km
Warhead: 130 kg
CEP: <500m*

Nazeat-10H (M-ATF)

Specifications: Nazeat-10H
Configuration: Single-state, solid fuel
Weight: 1,830 kg
Length: 8.02 m
Diameter: 455 mm
Max. Range: 130 km
Min. Range: 110 km
Warhead: 230 kg
CEP: <650 m*

* = at maximum range

Fajr Rocket (MLRS) Artillery

Fajr Rocket (MLRS) Artillery

***The Following is a Modified Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

Fajr-3
The Fajr-3 is a 240 mm self-propelled MLRS system originally derived from the North Korean M-1985. Some sources say mass production began in 1990 while others say it was first tested in 1996. This might be explained by the difference with producing a copy, and then later, testing a newer generation of the weapon.

Fajr-3 (Modlex)

The weapons system was first mounted on the original 6x6 Izuzu used by the North Koreans where the Mercedes-Benz 2631 has become the standard for newer generation models.

The MLRS itself consists of two banks of six tubes each. The rockets can be fired in a salvo, in 48-96 seconds, or individually. It is a safe bet that the same fire-control system used in the Fajr-5, described below, is also used in the Fajr-3.

The 240 mm rockets have a 90 kg warhead, usually HE, HE-FRAG, but can likely carry submunitions, incendiary, smoke and chemical payloads as well; they have a maximum range of 43 km. They are spin and fin stabilized, but unguided.

The inaccuracies inherent in an unguided rocket system combined with small number of rockets that can be launched in a salvo prevent the Fajr-3 from being a truly effective system in the tactical role.

Specifications: Fajr-3
Caliber: 240 mm
Weight: 407 kg
Length: 5.2 m
Max Range: 43 km
Warhead: 90 kg

Fajr-5
The Fajr-5 uses the same mount as the Fajr-3, with the newer generation using the Mercedes-Benz 2631 truck.

Fajr-5: Note the data-link antenna (Sejil.ir)

Also added is a networking system that enabled data-links within and between batteries. Another feature added is remote fire capability under which the command vehicle can link all Fajr-5's within a 20 km range.

However, most interestingly is the reported installation of a naval surface search radar which indicates Iran might use the MLRS in an anti-shipping role. At the very least, they appear to be able to link together with other anti-ship assets like the Noor or the Raad and share their targets.

The rockets have a 175 kg warhead, which can likely carry a variety of payloads including HE, HE-FRAG, incendiary, smoke or sub-munitions. They are spin stabilized, but unguided.

The inaccuracies inherent in an unguided rocket system combined with small number of rockets that can be launched in a salvo prevent the Fajr-5 from being a truly effective system.

Specifications: Fajr-5
Caliber: 333 mm
Weight:: 915 kg
Length: 6.48 m
Max Range: 75 km
Warhead: 175 kg

Specification: Fajr-3/5 Truck-Mounted Launcher
Length: 10 m
Height: 3.34 m
Width: 2.5 m
Max Speed: 60 km/h
Barrels: 12
Elevation 0 - 57
Traverse: 90 left - 100 right

88th Armored Division

88th Armored Division

The 88th AD is based in the Sistan-Baluchistan region with brigades in Zahedan, Khash and Iranshahr. They may have an additional smaller detachment in the city of Zabol. (1) In 2011, the 1st brigade in Zahedan began moving to a new base south-east of the city from their old compound in the city. Also in 2011, the cities of Zahedan, Khash and Iranshahr began to be reinforced with artillery contingents. (2)

As a military unit, it started out as an armored brigade during the days of the Imperial Iranian Army, equipped with Chieftain tanks. During the war it was expanded to a full division; sometime between 1980 and the 1990s they adopted the M-47 and M-48 tank. They are rarely seen and are often assumed to be relatively lightly armored and more comparable to a mechanized infantry division. They are also stuck with the lowest quality heavy armor available to Iran. However, despite this, they still follow roughly the same pattern of equipment distribution of other armored units.

Zahedan
The 1st Brigade is based in Zahedan, the capital of the Sistan-Baluchistan province; it's current headquarters can be found in the south-east corner of the city though there are facilities outside the city as well.

A tank battalion (34 tanks) is parked out in clear sight with three companies; one company of M-47Ms and two companies of M-48A5s. Next to them are lighter AFVs including a company of BTR-60s and a number of BMPs and M113s. There are about six of each which is a bit larger then a platoon size, but would amount to a very understrengthed company (about 60% strength). It's possible these additional vehicles were in overhaul or simply elsewhere at the time. On the other side of the compound, there is a battery of D-20 towed guns (6 pieces)

Adjacent to the airport is an army aviation facility with 12 helicopter landing pads with blast walls providing a small amount of protection from attack. There are also five hardened aircraft shelters designed for helicopter storage. While no aircraft are visible in the pictures, Zahedan is rumored to be host to three Bell 214As for airborne assault, three AH-1Js for attack and one AB-206 for reconnaissance. The helicopters here belong to the 3rd Support and Assault group based out of Kerman (3)

Southwest of the main army base are several firing ranges set into a range of low hills.

South-west of the city is a storage depot with a number of bunkers under construction from sometime between 2004 and 2009. The facility is ringed with watchtowers and has several AAA positions.

Here is part of the newly-finished "Shahid Yakoob Garrison" in Zahedan during a tour of the facility by General Pourdastan, commander of the IRIA, in November 2010. The exact location of this garrison is unknown but is reported to be "south-east" of Zahedan. (4)

(IRNA)

Khash
The second brigade has a compound to the north-west of the city of Khash 140 km south of Zahedan. The facilities here are a fair bit bigger then in Zahedan and are centrally located rather then being spread out. However the force composition appears to be roughly equal.

A full battalion of D-30 guns is layed out with it's three batteries of six guns with various support vehicles (probably of a Mercedes-Benz type). There's also a battalion of M113 APCs with several vehicles missing from immediate view (28 out of the full 33+ in a battalion). The tank battalion here resembles the one with Zahedan with one company of M-47Ms and two companies of M-48A5s, though like the M113s, several vehicles are out of sight (25 out of the full 34 tanks in a battalion).

West of this facility is a large compound that covers many kilometers that is used for exercises and is dotted with earthworks, trenches and revetments.

Iranshahr
The third brigade can be found in Iranshahr which can be found 130 km south, south-west of Khash. Unfortunately high quality imagery of the region is not available. While only the most general of features can be discerned the layout is similar to the other bases with barracks clustered around a parade ground, adjacent to a motor pool with garages holding armor and artillery.

Zabol
Supposedly houses an infantry battalion. Like Iranshahr many features cannot be discerned. A motor pool contains what may be light armor like M113s or BMPs or simply heavy trucks. Relatively recent construction, as of 2003, can be seen occurring in the north-eastern section of the compound.

Works Cited:
(1) Central Clubs Forum. http://www.centralclubs.com/topic-t65380.html
(2) Mehr News. http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=1263696
(3) Scramble on the Web Order of Battle. http://www.scramble.nl/ir.htm
(4) ibd Mehr News

Images Via Google Earth

What to Take Away From Bin Laden's Death

Since there are excellent analysis of it available elsewhere, and because it's not directly linked with the military of Iran, I'll attempt to keep my comments on the issue short.

It's clear that this will have far reaching consequences which will forever change the nature of international terrorism.

What I wish to make note of however is the fact that Bin Laden was not captured by a multi-pronged military offensive charging through the hills of Afghanistan with tanks and waves of helicopters. The operation was fundamentally an intelligence campaign.

The solution (or as close to one as we can obtain) when faced with threats like Al Qaeda is not a military one in the sense that we could invade a country like Iraq and Afghanistan and "beat it out them". In fact, that's Al Qaeda's strategy - draw the US into long bloody wars that drain our national morale.

The death of Osama Bin Laden should serve as a wakeup call to the US to reinvest in a full spectrum of tools including the ones that aren't glamorous or expensive as stealth fighters or a new generation of super-carriers. Intelligence is what got us Bin Laden, and intelligence is what will win us future wars.