Tel Aviv: Two Iranian made UAVs that were intercepted by the Israeli air defence systems are also being used by the Russians in Ukraine.
Boaz Shapira, an analyst from the Alma Research Centre in Israel has analysed the two and writes about the findings in the centre’s website.
In September 2024, two suicide UAVs (OWUAV- One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) were intercepted in northern Israel in two separate incidents. The remnants of the UAVs, found in open areas near residential areas, allow for a close examination of some of their components.
The first UAV that was intercepted is likely from the Shahed family. This type of UAV, as well as several other findings (detailed below), indicate that it was probably launched by the Iranian supported Shiite militias in Iraq.
The second UAV is probably a Sayyad 107 (or similar type) launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon.
- The two UAVs reviewed in this document are different from each other and exhibit different capabilities and characteristics. These include, among other things, size, range, type and weight of warhead, engine type, etc. However, they share several similarities and common characteristics.
- The characteristics of the UAVs, and their connection to Iran, raise two reasonable possibilities regarding their production and supply. The first is that these UAVs are transferred from Iran in parts and assembled by the end-user in a simple and fast manner. Another possibility is that Iran transferred the knowledge and infrastructure needed to produce and assemble the UAVs in the various target countries.
- Most of the systems and components in the two UAVs are not improvised. Some of them were probably produced as part of an organised and documented production line, while other key parts are available for purchase on the civilian market at a relatively low cost (made in China, Japan, etc.). These include engines, flight computers, servo mechanisms (electric motors), etc. The use of civilian components for military systems is well known and documented in a wide range of cases, both in Israel and in Ukraine, Yemen, and other arenas where there is Iranian involvement.
The Shahed UAV was intercepted over an agricultural area in northern Israel in late September 2024. Several details indicate that it was probably launched by Shiite militias in Iraq. This conclusion is based on the type of UAV, the location and direction of the interception, technical findings, and the claim of responsibility by the aforementioned militias, which is consistent with this case.
An examination of the UAV reveals several interesting findings. First, its external shape is very similar to that of the Shahed 101, but its dimensions are larger. There is a possibility that it is a UAV from the same family, perhaps an intermediate model between the 101 and the Meraj 532.
Similar to other UAVs, this UAV is also launched from a rail using a rocket booster, which detaches after launch. In addition, the flight path and impact point are entered via a computer before launch.
The engine installed in this UAV is a DLE-111 two-stroke gasoline engine manufactured by Mile HaoXiang Technology Co. Ltd of China under the DLE brand. It is a two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 111 cc, producing 11.2 horsepower and weighing 2.86 kg. In this case, as in other cases, the engine was equipped with a wooden propeller.
The UAV fuselage is composed of carbon fiber parts and consists of several sections connected by metallic rings and bolts. In addition, it can be noted that the rings contain pre-made notches and holes that contain the wiring and pipes of the various systems. The various systems (servo mechanisms, fuel system, warhead, etc.) were connected to the fuselage using rivets, and the engine was connected to the main fuselage with another metallic ring.
The shape of the warhead of the intercepted UAV is very similar to those of other warheads found in Iranian UAVs in various arenas in the Middle East, Ukraine, etc. They contain an explosive charge and have a domed liner (Explosively Formed Penetrator) installed at the front for penetrating hard targets. The type and weight of the explosive material are unknown, as is the triggering mechanism. While the warhead of the Shahed 101 weighs 8 kg, the size and weight of the warhead in the intercepted UAV appears to be larger.
The Sayyd 107 UAV, which was probably launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon , was found in northern Israel in early September 2024 after it was intercepted.
The UAV fuselage is made of a material that looks like carbon fiber and is divided into two main sections – the main fuselage and the tail section, which contains the tail wings and the engine. It appears that both the tail wings and the engine are installed during the connection of the tail section to the main fuselage.
The engine installed in the UAV is an OMA 5025-375 electric motor manufactured by a Japanese company called O.S. MOTORS. The engine, which weighs 405 grams, is equipped with a plastic propeller and is powered by a battery pack and costs $100-200 (for comparison, the DLE-111 piston engines that Hezbollah used extensively weigh 2.86 kg and use a wooden propeller).
The UAVs warhead is installed inside a cylinder at the front of the UAV. In addition, it is possible that a small domed liner (Explosively Formed Penetrator) was installed at the front of the warhead. The type and weight of the explosive material are unknown, as is the initiation mechanism.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
