Three Shahed-238 models on display at the exhibition (Photo: Iranian State Media).
The Shahed-238 was displayed during an "aerospace achievements exhibition" organized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the Ashura University of Aerospace Science and Technology, in Tehran, on November 19.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on display has a new guidance system that appears to use an infrared optical guidance system. Previous Shahed models have mainly used inertial guidance combined with GPS to attack fixed targets.
The appearance of this UAV model was first revealed in September.
Developed on the Shahed-136 model that Russia has used extensively in Ukraine, the three Shahed-238s on display represent three different navigation options. One of the three is said to have anti-radiation seekers.
If true, this version of the Shahed-238 is designed to detect enemy radio transmitters, especially air defense radars, thereby allowing it to suppress or destroy enemy air defense shields.
Shahed-238 (Photo: Iranian State Media).
All three Shahed-238 models are also finished in matte black, which may be some kind of anti-radar paint or coating, but may also simply indicate that this UAV is primarily intended for night raids.
The basic Shahed-136 model is said to have a maximum range of 2,000km at a speed of 180km/h. It is not yet clear what stage of development the Shahed-238 is in.
Ukraine has had difficulty countering the Shahed-131/136 because they are small, low-flying, and often travel in “swarms.” The Shahed-238 is considered a more difficult target due to its small size, black paint, and high speed thanks to its jet engine.
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