Iran designing UAV with 2000-km range
Iran plans to unveil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a range of 2000 kilometers in the next few years, according to the director of the Iran Aviation Industries Organization.
Manouchehr Manteqi made the remarks during an interview with the Persian service of the Fars News Agency, which was published on Wednesday.
“UAVs are categorized into three specific classes,” Manteqi said, noting that the first class comprises UAVs with a range of up to 200 kilometers and the second class comprises UAVs with a range of 1000 to 1500 kilometers, which can operate at an altitude of 30,000 feet and are capable of flying nonstop for about 15 hours.
“The third class comprises UAVs that can fly at an altitude of up to 50,000 feet, can fly nonstop for 20 to 24 hours, and have a range of up to 2000 kilometers,” he added.
“Naturally, when we develop capabilities in the first class, we can prove our capabilities in the second class as well, and then we enter the third class. We currently have some designs and achievements in the second and third classes,” Manteqi explained.
“We can unveil our achievements after various tests are conducted,” he said, adding, “Therefore, we may currently have a product, but it cannot be said that its manufacture has been completed because it is undergoing the testing process.”
Iran’s long-range UAVs will be unveiled in two or three years, Manteqi stated.