Shahed-149 Gaza drone. Photo: Army Registration
Shahed-149 Gaza is an unmanned combat aircraft model developed by Iran, first launched in May 2021 and deployed to the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). in 2022.
In terms of technical specifications, Shahed-149 has the same size as the US MQ-9 Reaper UAV, 10m long, 4m high, 21m wingspan and has a takeoff weight of 3,740kg. Equipped with a 750 horsepower turbine engine, the Shahed-149 can move at a maximum speed of 350km/h and a cruise speed of 215km/h. This unmanned platform has a maximum flight time of 25 hours and a ceiling of 10,668m.
Shahed 149 can carry 13 bombs and 500kg of electronic equipment. In addition, the aircraft is also integrated with electro-optical/infrared sensors, daytime observation cameras, thermal imaging cameras, laser rangefinders and satellite communication antennas. Therefore, this UAV is capable of detecting stealth aircraft within a radius of 500km.
Iran has invested heavily in military research and development for decades, particularly focusing on technologies such as drones to enhance the capabilities of its air force. Drones have been used by Iran as a diplomatic tool to strengthen regional and international alliances. This approach has allowed Iran to develop relationships with countries that share common security concerns and explore new opportunities to export drones.
* Thailand tested the lithium-ion battery of the VT-4 main battle tank
Recently, the Royal Thai Army tested domestically produced lithium-ion batteries on the VT-4 main battle tank and Stingray light tank.
Thailand tested domestically produced lithium-ion batteries on the VT-4 main battle tank. Photo: ARDO
This initiative is part of multiple research projects to develop and produce lithium-ion batteries in Thailand, with the goal of innovating and creating lithium-ion battery technologies specific to the country. Testing of lithium-ion batteries on the VT-4 main battle tank and the Stingray light tank indicates a move towards developing electric power systems for military applications.
VT-4 is the export version of the third generation main battle tank MBT-3000, designed and manufactured by China, currently serving in the armies of several countries such as Nigeria, Pakistan and Thailand. . This vehicle is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of launching guided missiles with a range of 4.5km. In addition, VT-4 is also equipped with a 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. To increase defense capabilities as well as protect the crew and equipment on the vehicle, the VT-4 is equipped with composite armor on the front of the vehicle’s body and the front of the turret, along with the option to add explosive reactive armor on both sides. side of the car body.
VT-4 is 10.1m long, 3.5m wide, 2.4m high and weighs 52 tons. The car can reach a maximum speed of 70km/h and a range of 500km. In terms of equipment, VT-4 has a specialized system against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons (NBC), identification friend-foe system (IFF), GL5 active protection system, and many other equipment. other modern equipment.
The Royal Thai Army began purchasing VT-4 main battle tanks from China in 2016, marking an effort to modernize the country’s military capabilities.
Quynh Oanh (the fits)