HESA Qasef-1

History of the HESA Qasef-1

The HESA Qasef-1 is an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) derived from the Ababil family. It is a "loitering munition" designed to track ground targets and self-destruct upon command. The Qasef-1 has a 66 lb (30 kg) explosive warhead, offering cost-effective offensive capabilities. Its small size and slow speed make it difficult to detect on radar, providing a stealth advantage. The aircraft features a tubular fuselage, rear-mounted main aircraft, forward aircraft for control, and a vertical tail on the tailplane. As an expendable drone, it lacks landing gear, simplifying the design. The Qasef-1 can be launched via ground assist, pneumatic catapult, or jet/rocket assist. Houthi rebels in Yemen have used these drones to target components of Patriot missile stations, as well as airports, oil pipelines, and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service: 2016

Origins: Iran

Status: Active

Crew: 0

Production: 100

Manufacturer

Iran Aircraft Industry Corporation (HESA) Iran

Operators

Iran; Yemen (rebels)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 9. 4 feet (2.88m)

Width/span: 10.7 feet (3.25m)

Height: 3. 0 feet (0.90m)

Cured weight: 66 lbs (30kg)

MTOW: 187 lbs (85kg)

Wgt Difference: +121 lbs (+55kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x WAE-342 twin-cylinder piston engine, 25 hp, driving a twin-blade propeller unit in a thrust arrangement aft of the fuselage.

Maximum speed: 230 km/h (370 km/h | 200 knots)

Maximum: 9,843 feet (3,000 m | 2 mi)

Area: 75 km (120 km | 222 nautical miles)

Range (MPH)

Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Hypersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Weapon

1 x 66 lb (30 kg) impact detonating warhead (approximately the same as conventionally thrown bombs).