Iran researchers build indigenous ‘flying robot’

Iran has unveiled a new indigenously designed and manufactured ‘flying robot’ which can be used for a number of civilian purposes.

Seyyed Amiduddin Mousavi, the dean of the Zanjan branch of Sama Technical and Vocational Training College, said on Tuesday that the aircraft has been developed by seven Iranian researchers at the faculty, can fly up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) above the earth’s surface, weighs 1.3 kilograms, and is capable of carrying a three-kilogram payload.

He added that the radio-controlled aircraft can remain steady in flights, and can fly without an operator.

Mousavi further noted that the vehicle can be used to perform videography missions; transport freight and goods; monitor electricity and telephone lines; as well as identify, track, and chase people and objects.

On November 18, 2013, Iran unveiled its biggest indigenously developed drone, which can be used for reconnaissance and combat operations.

The remote-controlled aircraft, dubbed Fotros, has an operational radius of up to 2,000 kilometers, an operational altitude of 25,000 feet and flight endurance of up to 30 hours.

On September 28, 2013, the Iranian Army Ground Forces unveiled an indigenously designed and built combat drone, dubbed Yasir, in a ceremony attended by senior military officials.

Iran unveiled its first indigenously manufactured long-range combat drone, the Karrar (Striker), on August 23, 2010. It has an operational radius of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and can carry two 115-kilogram bombs or precision-guided munitions weighing 227 kilograms.

The first Iranian medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, the Shahed-129 (Witness-129), was unveiled in September 2012, which is capable of carrying out combat and reconnaissance missions for 24 hours.