Iranian Shahed 129 performing reconnaissance over Adra, Syria

 

Another video has materialized depicting an Iranian-manufactured Iranian Shahed 129 ("Eye-Witness") Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), this time performing a reconnaissance mission over Adra, Syria, positioned approximately 40 km northeast of Damascus.

Video, date of upload o8JUL14:

A previous video from 10APR14 depicted Shahed 129 performing reconnaissance mission over Eastern Ghouta, Damascus.

File photo of Shahed 129 types configured as Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)

File image detail of IRGC-AF Shahed 129 prototype, serial 129-001

Iranian Shahed 129 Drone over Damascus

The Aviationist has posted footage filmed in Syria, reportedly spotting an Iranian UAV, “Shahed 129”, over Damascus today. (The Aviationist, 10 April)

In September 2013, Iran unveiled a version of Shahed 129 modified to carry weapons, making it a lethal UAV, so-called Unmanned Combat Aerial vehicle (UCAV). However, the video today does not show the aircraft carrying any weapon.  In 2012, an Iranian Yasir UAV was also spotted over Damascus.

Video credit: Saqba/The Aviationist, 10 April 2014

Iran to Unveil VTOL Drone

Iran announced it has produced a vertical takeoff and landing drone. The VTOL drone will go under a final test today and unveiled during the 10-Day Dawn celebrations, marking the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which begin on 31 January. (Mehr News Agency, 3 November)

Iran unveiled its first drone, Karrar, in August 2010, and last September unveiled Shahed 129, capable of 24-hour nonstop combat and reconnaissance missions.

Shahed 129: New Iranian Drone

In his news conference on Sunday, IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali “Aziz” Jafari told reporters that Iran has produced a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), named ‘Shahed 129’ capable of 24-hour non-stop flight.

“Shahed 129, which can carry out combat and reconnaissance missions with its 24-hour nonstop flight capability, is IRGC’s latest achievement in this field,” Gen. Jafari said.

IRGC commander added that Shahed 129 is armed with Sadid missiles that can hit “long-distance” targets. (ISNA, 17 September)

In August 2010, Iran unveiled domestically manufactured long-range Karrar Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV). Karrar is a 4-meter long Jet-powered drone reportedly capable of delivering a military payload on bombing missions against ground targets, with a 1,000 KM range and a maximum speed of approximately 1000 kph. The specifications of the new Shahed 129 and its differences with Karrar have not been made public.

Photo credit: The photo reportedly of the launch of Shahed 129 drone. (Fars News Agency)