Overview
In November of 2013, the IAIO Fotros UCAV was unveiled to the public by Iranian officials.
In November of 2013, the IAIO Fotros UCAV was unveiled to the public by Iranian officials.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the IAIO Fotros (Fallen Angel) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 2/20/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the IAIO Fotros (Fallen Angel) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Entry last updated on 2/20/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Iran has consistently worked to broaden its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) inventory in the last decade and these have produced some forgettable and some promising results. The nation has been assisted some by the downing and capturing of Western drones marauding into its airspace to which the Iranians have re-engineered several useful copies of these products for their own use. The IAIO "Fotros" ("Fallen Angel") represents a major improvement over preceding types and is categorized as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) signifying it has an air-launch missile weapons capability beyond that of the usual Intelligence-Reconnaissance-Surveillance (ISR) roles over the battlefield. First flight of the system is said to have taken place during November of 2013 and it was introduced to the public that same month by way of ceremony.
Outwardly, the Fotros certainly takes on the design form of several Western-originated drones (including the nose which appears to mimic that of the General Atomics Predator). It features a straight wing mainplane arrangement, twin-boom tail unit, and rear-mounted conventional engine installation. The engine drives a two-bladed propeller in a "pusher" arrangement. The nose of the aircraft is bulbous and most likely houses the avionics set while optics and other mission equipment are held at the belly. The undercarriage is wheeled and retractable - the Fotros can take off and land from prepared runways only. Its wings support at least one hardpoint each for the carrying of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) or other precision attack weapon.
Fotros is manufactured by Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO). The vehicle is said to exhibit an operational endurance of some 30 hours with a range out to 2,000 kilometers. A service ceiling of 25,000 feet is reported. Of course due to Iranian secrecy, these values can be considered suspect until formally proven.
Outwardly, the Fotros certainly takes on the design form of several Western-originated drones (including the nose which appears to mimic that of the General Atomics Predator). It features a straight wing mainplane arrangement, twin-boom tail unit, and rear-mounted conventional engine installation. The engine drives a two-bladed propeller in a "pusher" arrangement. The nose of the aircraft is bulbous and most likely houses the avionics set while optics and other mission equipment are held at the belly. The undercarriage is wheeled and retractable - the Fotros can take off and land from prepared runways only. Its wings support at least one hardpoint each for the carrying of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) or other precision attack weapon.
Fotros is manufactured by Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO). The vehicle is said to exhibit an operational endurance of some 30 hours with a range out to 2,000 kilometers. A service ceiling of 25,000 feet is reported. Of course due to Iranian secrecy, these values can be considered suspect until formally proven.
Specifications
YEAR: 2019
STATUS: In-Development
MANUFACTURER(S): Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) - Iran
PRODUCTION: 1
CREW: 0
LENGTH: 27.07 ft (8.25 m)
WIDTH: 160.76 ft (49 m)
HEIGHT: 22.97 ft (7 m)
EMPTY WEIGHT: 1,146 lb (520 kg)
MTOW: 2,260 lb (1,025 kg)
POWER: 1 x Conventional engine driving two-blade propeller in pusher configuration.
SPEED: 134 mph (215 kph; 116 kts)
CEILING: 25,000 feet (7,620 m; 4.73 miles)
RANGE: 2,485 miles (4,000 km; 2,160 nm)
OPERATORS: Iran
Armament
OPTIONAL:
2 x Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) or similar held underwings.
OPTIONAL:
2 x Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) or similar held underwings.
Variants / Models
• Fotros - Base Series Name
• Fotros - Base Series Name
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 150mph
Lo: 75mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (134mph).
Graph average of 112.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
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PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
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NYC
Graph showcases the IAIO Fotros (Fallen Angel)'s operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (1)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
1
1
Altitude Visualization
