HESA Azarakhsh (Lightning)
Iran (1997)
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The HESA Azarakhsh is yet another Iranian take on the American F-5 Tiger II, the F-5E model in particular, and serves in the strike fighter role.
Detailing the development and operational history of the HESA Azarakhsh (Lightning) Strike Fighter Aircraft. Entry last updated on 10/23/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com
With the valuable experience in operating the F-5 line, the country eventually took to reengineering the F-5 line for its own purposes, producing all-new modern variants to fit ongoing over-battlefield requirements. One development was the HESA "Saeqeh" ("Thunderbolt") which appeared in 2007 for the fighter role (and is detailed elsewhere on this site). Twin, outward-canted vertical tail fins clearly differentiated this model from the original American design. Before this version was debuted, Iranian industry put together the foundation for what became the HESA "Azarakhsh" ("Lightning"), a strike fighter-minded off-shoot of the same F-5 Freedom Fighter / Tiger line.
The Azarakhsh, developed directly from the F-5E Tiger II model, was introduced for formal frontline service in 1997. It retains the same form and function of the original including its twin engine, twin intake arrangement, long and slender nosecone assembly, and low-mounted wing appendages. The aircraft is crewed by a sole operator and houses radar in its nose while being outfitted with missiles and holding an inherent capability to carry air-to-ground munitions in the form of conventional drop bombs, rocket pods and the like. The wingtip stations are reserved for short-ranged Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs) that clearly resemble the American AIM-9 "Sidewinder". Unlike the Saeqeh, the Azarakhsh sees only a single tailfin fitted (as in the original F-5). Fixed standard armament is 2 x 20mm cannons with approximately 250 to 280 rounds afforded per gun.
While performance specs remain largely under wraps, it is assumed that the Iranian aircraft displays some of the same numbers encountered with the original design. It is also assumed that the series still makes use of General Electric turbojet engines rated at about 5,000 lb thrust each with afterburner (3,500 lb thrust dry) which leads to a maximum speed of 1,050 miles per hour (Mach 1.6), a ferry range out to 2,300 miles, and a service ceiling up to 51,500 feet. Rate-of-climb may very well exceed 34,000 feet-per-minute.
American-made F-5E models were completed with Emerson Electric AN/APQ-153 and -159 series radars as well as AN/AVQ-27 Laser Target Designator Sets (LTDSs). Sources indicate the Azarakhsh to be of 2nd or 3rd Generation Fighter quality/capability (work on a possible 4th Generation Fighter form is unknown) and could carry these fits even today or an alternative, locally-derived radar fit instead.
Production of the system has reportedly been slow and a published three-year window called for some thirty or so aircraft to be delivered though this has not been verified. As such, its presence - and value - within the Iranian Air Force inventory is questionable.
American-made F-5E models were completed with Emerson Electric AN/APQ-153 and -159 series radars as well as AN/AVQ-27 Laser Target Designator Sets (LTDSs). Sources indicate the Azarakhsh to be of 2nd or 3rd Generation Fighter quality/capability (work on a possible 4th Generation Fighter form is unknown) and could carry these fits even today or an alternative, locally-derived radar fit instead.
Production of the system has reportedly been slow and a published three-year window called for some thirty or so aircraft to be delivered though this has not been verified. As such, its presence - and value - within the Iranian Air Force inventory is questionable.
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 Rating
Hi: 1100mph
Lo: 550mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (1,056mph).
Graph average of 825 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the HESA Azarakhsh (Lightning)'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 Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
41
41
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Altitude Visualization
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Supported Mission Types:
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Origin: Iran
Year: 1997
Type: Strike Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer(s): Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (IAIO) / Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) - Iran
Production: 41
Status: Active, Limited Service
Global Operators:
Iran
Iran
Historical Commitments / Honors:
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the HESA Azarakhsh (Lightning) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Operational
CREW
Personnel
1
Dimension
LENGTH
Feet
47.41 ft
Meters
14.45 m
Dimension
WIDTH
Feet
26.74 ft
Meters
8.15 m
Dimension
HEIGHT
Feet
13.45 ft
Meters
4.1 m
Weight
EMPTY
Pounds
9,590 lb
Kilograms
4,350 kg
Weight
LOADED
Pounds
24,725 lb
Kilograms
11,215 kg
2 x General Electric J85-GE-21B turbojet engines developing 5,000 lb thrust each with afterburner (3,500lb thrust dry).
Performance
SPEED
Miles-per-Hour
1,056 mph
Kilometers-per-Hour
1,700 kph
Knots
918 kts
Performance
RANGE
Miles
2,299 mi
Kilometers
3,700 km
Nautical Miles
1,998 nm
Performance
CEILING
Feet
51,837 ft
Meters
15,800 m
Miles
9.82 mi
Performance
CLIMB RATE
Feet-per-Minute
34,400 ft/min
Meters-per-Minute
10,485 m/min
Supported Weapon Systems:
Armament - Hardpoints (7 (Including Wingtips)):
STANDARD:
2 x 20mm M39A2 internal cannons (assumed)
OPTIONAL:
Up to 7,000 lb of externally-held stores across seven hardpoints (including wingtips reserved for AAMs.
STANDARD:
2 x 20mm M39A2 internal cannons (assumed)
OPTIONAL:
Up to 7,000 lb of externally-held stores across seven hardpoints (including wingtips reserved for AAMs.
Variants:
Series Model Variants
• Azarakhah ("Lightning") - Base Series Name; six of first generation completed with four of a second generation mark and one of a 3rd generation mark.
• Azarakhah ("Lightning") - Base Series Name; six of first generation completed with four of a second generation mark and one of a 3rd generation mark.