Shahed 147

Lore & Background

The Shahed 147 was unveiled in 2023 during a military exhibition attended by Seyyed Ali Khamenei. According to Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, the aircraft is 26 meters long and can reach an altitude of 60,000 feet, with flight characteristics said to be approximately equivalent to those of the American Global Hawk drone. The drone uses a turboprop engine, which is the second model in the Shahed family after the Gaza drone; this engine type is described as more efficient at higher altitudes and capable of providing higher speed, thereby increasing the flight ceiling.

The Shahed 147 is equipped with advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which enhances its surveillance capabilities. The SAR capability allows the drone to produce high-resolution images even in difficult weather conditions. The integration of synthetic aperture radar is noted to increase the operational capabilities of the Shahed 147.

Reader's Guide

The Shahed 147 represents a significant step in Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle development, particularly in the domain of high-altitude surveillance. Its wide-body, heavy-duty design and turboprop engine mark a departure from earlier Shahed models, offering improved performance at altitude. The drone's flight ceiling of 60,000 feet places it in a class comparable to the Global Hawk, a high-profile American reconnaissance drone. The inclusion of synthetic aperture radar further underscores its role as a long-range intelligence platform, capable of generating high-resolution imagery in adverse weather. The drone was unveiled in 2023 at a military exhibition attended by Iran's supreme leader, signaling its importance to the country's defense establishment. While specific operational deployments or production numbers are not detailed, the Shahed 147's technical specifications and radar integration suggest it is intended for strategic reconnaissance missions. Its legacy, as described, is tied to its advanced altitude capability and the adoption of a turboprop engine within the Shahed family, expanding the envelope of Iranian drone operations.

Did You Know?

• The Shahed 147 has a wingspan of 26 meters and a length of 26 meters.
• It can reach a maximum flight ceiling of 60,000 feet (about 20 kilometers).
• It is the second Shahed model to use a turboprop engine, after the Gaza drone.
• The drone is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution imaging in difficult weather.