Shahed 171 Simorgh
Iranian jet-powered flying wing UCAV based on captured RQ-170.
The Shahed 171 Simorgh, also known as the S-171 and designated IRN-170 by the United States, is a jet-powered flying wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle built by Shahed Aviation Industries. Iran developed it by reverse engineering an American RQ-170 UAV captured in 2011, then adapting the design to carry guided missiles. It is one of two Iranian flying wing drones based on the RQ-170; the other is the smaller Saegheh, which is frequently mistaken for the Simorgh.
The name Simorgh comes from Persian, derived from the Middle Persian word sēnmurw, a benevolent bird in Persian mythology.
The airframe is a reverse-engineered copy of the RQ-170. Several variants exist, though their details are unknown. One variant has been modified to serve as an armed UCAV, carrying four missiles. One author described it as a crude mock-up made mostly of fiberglass. The Simorgh was used with munitions during the 2020 Joint Exercise Zolfaghar 99.
According to the U.S. government, a company linked to Imam Hossein University—Paravar Pars Company—was involved in reverse engineering, research, development, and production of the Shahed 171.
As of 2014, two units were under construction. That same year, Iran stated it would have four in service by March 2015. The UAV was first seen in May 2015, and Iranian television showed it in flight in October 2016. Jane's analysis placed the drone at Kashan Air Base. Some sources claim a Shahed 171 was shot down during the February 2018 Israel–Syria incident, but the aircraft involved was likely the very similar Saegheh.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force operates the Shahed 171.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Multirole
- National Origin
- Iran
- Manufacturer
- Shahed Aviation Industries
- Primary User
- IRGC AF
- Construction Date
- 2010s–present
- First Flight
- 2014
- Developed From
- RQ-170 Sentinel
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Simorgh is a reverse engineered RQ-170, with multiple unknown variants. One variant is modified to serve as a UCAV armed with four missiles. An author described it as a crude mock-up mostly made of fiberglass. It was used with munitions during the 2020 Joint Exercise Zolfaghar 99. According to the United States Government, a company associated with Imam Hossein University, Paravar Pars Company, was involved in the reverse engineering and research, development, and production of the Shahed 171. Two were under construction as of 2014, and Iran stated that they would have four in service by March 2015. The UAV was first seen in May 2015 and was shown flying on Iranian TV in October 2016. Some sources report that a Shahed 171 may have been shot down in the February 2018 Israel–Syria incident, but the UAV was probably the very similar Saegheh.
Reader's Guide
The Shahed 171 Simorgh represents Iran's ability to reverse engineer a sophisticated American stealth UAV and adapt it for combat roles. Its development, involving Paravar Pars Company and Imam Hossein University, highlights the institutional network behind Iran's drone programs. The Simorgh's use in the 2020 Joint Exercise Zolfaghar 99 with live munitions demonstrates its operational integration into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, uncertainty persists about its exact capabilities, as some analysts have described it as a crude fiberglass mock-up. The confusion with the smaller Saegheh further complicates assessments. The Simorgh's legacy lies in its role as a symbol of Iranian technological ambition and asymmetric warfare strategy, though its actual combat effectiveness remains debated.
Did You Know?
- The Simorgh is based on a reverse engineered American RQ-170 captured by Iran in 2011.
- It is one of two Iranian flying wing UAVs derived from the RQ-170, the other being the Saegheh.
- The name Simorgh comes from a benevolent bird in Persian mythology.
- Some sources report a Shahed 171 may have been shot down in February 2018, but it was likely the Saegheh.
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