🔴 IRGC unveils "Raad 500" Ballistic missile, with 500 km range. 
With the use of composite materials like carbon fibre instead of steel, it weighs *half* that of the Fateh-110, with 200 km more range. It also has a "moveable nozzle" (TVC?).
The composite body can tolerate 100 bar of pressure and 3000°C.
Report: farsnews.ir/news/139811200…
The composite body can tolerate 100 bar of pressure and 3000°C.
Report: farsnews.ir/news/139811200…
The IRGC also said that the use of moveable nozzles means its solid fuel rocket engines can be used outside the atmosphere.
My own observations:
Fateh's weight has been previously specified as 3320 kg. So Raad-500 weighs ~1660 kg. A remarkably low weight for a 500 km range BM.
My own observations:
Fateh's weight has been previously specified as 3320 kg. So Raad-500 weighs ~1660 kg. A remarkably low weight for a 500 km range BM.
Raad-500 (left) has quite a few physical differences from Fateh-110 (centre). It's got a much longer nose than F-110, similar to that of the later Dezful missile (right). Its control surfaces are completely different. Single large surfaces at the back instead of one larger set...
...and one small triangular set on the Fateh series. The front control surfaces are also bigger, and cropped delta shapes instead of delta.
It all looks like a design optimised for accuracy and range. The original Fateh series was designed in the 90s, based off the Zelzal...
It all looks like a design optimised for accuracy and range. The original Fateh series was designed in the 90s, based off the Zelzal...
...heavy artillery rocket. It was not designed to be a pinpoint strike missile like the latest Fateh variants are today. Raad-500 brings Iran's solid fuel SRBM designs up to date with the benefit of its greater knowledge and new role.
In its outward appearance it only shares general dimensions with the Fateh seriee. It has new control surfaces, modern Iranian guidance, a new rocket motor, and likely a separable warhead (the guidance fins are ahead of the "seam", indicating they stay with the warhead).
New image, with "Salman" TVC rocket motor on right.
Video: Launch and impact test of Raad-500 missile.
Static test stand footage of "Salman" solid rocket motor test, including TVC test.
Static test stand footage of "Salman" solid rocket motor test, including TVC test.
Good quality closeup of the Salman TVC solid rocket motor
Closeup of the Raad-500 nose before its test launch.
Good quality video here, which mentions:
Weight is "close to 2 tons" (prob. just below).
"Impact accuracy" of <30 metres.
Reduced RCS due to use of composite materials.
Mentioned in other videos I haven't uploaded - it costs half that of Fateh-110.
Weight is "close to 2 tons" (prob. just below).
"Impact accuracy" of <30 metres.
Reduced RCS due to use of composite materials.
Mentioned in other videos I haven't uploaded - it costs half that of Fateh-110.
Screenshot from the above video (just before impact) confirms that the Raad-500's warhead separates from the missile as a MaRV (Manoeuvrable Reentry Vehicle). This has become pretty much a standard feature on newer Iranian ballistic missiles. The 'precision project' continues.
There's a specsheet back there... damn you IRIB...
The Raad-500 warhead is probably the most conic-shaped warhead Iran has developed yet. It shows greater mastering of reentry aerodynamics.
Left: Raad-500 MaRV.
Right: Mk-21 Reentry Vehicles (USA).
Biggest difference? Iran uses control surfaces rather than gas steering.
Left: Raad-500 MaRV.
Right: Mk-21 Reentry Vehicles (USA).
Biggest difference? Iran uses control surfaces rather than gas steering.
🎯✖️
