HESA Hamaseh
Iranian tactical reconnaissance UAV with high endurance, unveiled 2013.
The HESA Hamaseh (Persian for "Epic") is a tactical and reconnaissance drone with long flight endurance, produced by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA). It was first shown to the public in 2013 and became operational in 2016.
The drone has a single engine and a twin-boom layout. Its forward radome was originally bulbous but was made smaller in later versions. The Hamaseh can carry up to 185 kilograms of fuel, equipment, and payload. Depending on what it carries, it can stay in the air for up to 11 hours. It takes off from a runway or with JATO assistance, and lands on a runway or, if needed, using a parachute. The drone follows pre-set waypoints to navigate. Its engine type is not publicly known.
The Hamaseh can be fitted with synthetic aperture radar, radar or communications jammers, and a camera. For weapons, it can carry small bombs, grenades, or rockets.
At its unveiling on 9 May 2013, Iran’s defense minister Ahmad Vahidi claimed the drone could avoid enemy detection due to its stealth qualities. It was also described as a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform, though it is actually a tactical UAV. At the ceremony, the drone appeared to be armed, but the munitions were bolted directly to the wings rather than mounted on hardpoints.
The Hamaseh was first used in military exercises by the IRGC Ground Forces in April 2016. In 2017, HESA offered the drone for export.
The only operator is Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
General characteristics: length 5.05 m, width 9 m, height 1.9 m. Empty weight 230 kg, gross weight 415 kg. Maximum speed 194 km/h, cruise speed 165 km/h, stall speed 110 km/h. Combat range 200 km. Endurance up to 11 hours. Service ceiling 4,600 m. Rate of climb 4 m/s.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle and Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (armed variant)
- National Origin
- Iran
- Manufacturer
- Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA)
- Design Group
- HESA
- Primary User
- Iranian Armed Forces
- Number Built
- 30 (2013)
- Construction Date
- 2013–present?
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The HESA Hamaseh is a single-engine, twin-boom UAV featuring a bulbous forward radome, which was later reduced in size during development. It can carry up to 185 kg of fuel, equipment, and payload, with an endurance of up to 11 hours depending on configuration. Launch methods include runway takeoff or JATO, and recovery via runway landing or emergency parachute. The UAV follows pre-determined waypoints for flight control; its powerplant is unknown.
The Hamaseh was unveiled on 9 May 2013, with Iran's defense minister Ahmad Vahidi claiming it 'with its stealth quality can avoid detection by the enemy.' It was also claimed to be a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform, despite being a tactical UAV. At the unveiling ceremony, the drone appeared equipped with munitions, but they were physically bolted to the wings, not mounted on hardpoints.
The Hamaseh first saw use during military exercises by the IRGC Ground Forces in April 2016. In 2017, HESA offered the Hamaseh for export. Its operators include Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Reader's Guide
The HESA Hamaseh represents Iran's effort to field a domestically produced tactical reconnaissance UAV with multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare and light strike. Its introduction in 2016 marked a step in Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle development, though claims of stealth and HALE status are disputed by its tactical classification and relatively low service ceiling of 4,600 m. The bolted-on munitions at its unveiling suggest early presentation may have been symbolic rather than operational. The Hamaseh's export offering in 2017 indicates Iran's intent to market the platform internationally. Its use by the IRGC Ground Forces highlights its role in Iranian military exercises, but the article provides no further operational details or combat record. The unknown powerplant and reliance on pre-determined waypoints suggest limited autonomy compared to more advanced UAVs.
Did You Know?
- The Hamaseh was unveiled on 9 May 2013 and entered service in 2016.
- The Hamaseh was offered for export in 2017.
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