The HESA Fotros ( ''fʊtros'') is an Iranian reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat

unmanned aerial vehicle An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft with no human pilot, crew, or passengers onboard, but rather is controlled remotely or is autonomous.De Gruyter Handbook of Dron ...

built by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation and unveiled in November 2013. It was the largest Iranian drone at its unveiling. It has an operational range of 1,700 km to 2,000 km with flight endurance of 16 to 30 hours depending on armament. The name refers to a fallen angel in Shia mythology which was redeemed by Imam Husayn ibn Ali. The Fotros carries up to six missiles or bombs.

History

The Fotros was unveiled in November 2013 in a joint ceremony by MODAFL, IRIAF and IRAA. It is believed that the unveiling of the Fotros was rushed so that it could be unveiled before the start of P5+1 talks over Iran's nuclear programs. It carries at least 6 Ghaem

Precision-guided munition A precision-guided munition (PGM), also called a smart weapon, smart munition, or smart bomb, is a type of weapon system that integrates advanced guidance and control systems, such as Global Positioning System, GPS, laser guidance, or Infrared ...

s, or 6 of 3 unnamed

s. In 2020 the UAV participated in a military training drill known as “Defenders of Velayat Skies.”

Status

There was no news or status updates on the Fotros between its announcement in 2013 and 2020. In 2020 it was announced that the drone had entered service and more images surfaced of the UAV. Production is believed to have started, and at least 3 have been produced.

Specifications

References

Unmanned military aircraft of Iran Iranian military aircraft Aircraft manufactured in Iran Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Post–Cold War military equipment of Iran Unmanned aerial vehicles of Iran {{UAV-stub

History

Status

Specifications

See also

References