IAIO Fotros explained
The
HESA Fotros (Persian:
فطرس fʊtros) is an Iranian reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat unmanned aerial vehicle built by
Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation and unveiled in November 2013. It was the largest Iranian drone at its unveiling. It has an operational range of 1,700 km to 2,000 km with flight endurance of 16 to 30 hours depending on armament.
[1] [2] The name refers to a fallen angel in Shia mythology which was redeemed by
Imam Husayn ibn Ali.
[3] The Fotros carries up to six missiles or bombs.
[4] History
The Fotros was unveiled in November 2013 in a joint ceremony by MODAFL, IRIAF and IRAA.[5] It is believed that the unveiling of the Fotros was rushed so that it could be unveiled before the start of P5+1 talks over Iran's nuclear programs.[6] It carries at least 6 Ghaem Precision-guided munitions, or 6 of 3 unnamed Precision-guided munitions.[7]
In 2020 the UAV participated in a military training drill known as “Defenders of Velayat Skies.”[8]
Status
There was no news or status updates on the Fotros between its announcement in 2013 and 2020.[4]
In 2020 it was announced that the drone had entered service and more images surfaced of the UAV. Production is believed to have started, and at least 2 have been produced.[9] [10]
Notes and References
- Web site: Iran Unveils Indigenous 'Fotros' Drone.
- Web site: Iran presents largest home-made UAV "Fotros".. 18 November 2013.
- Web site: Fotros or Petros(angel). 18 November 2013.
- News: خبرگزاری فارس - تحول پهپادهای ایرانی با تسلیحات جدید/ موشک «تاپ اتک» ارمغان فطرس برای تانکهای دشمن . خبرگزاری فارس . 31 August 2020 .
- Mark Pyruz https://www.uskowioniran.com/2013/11/fotros-ucav-irans-strategic-drone.html
- Web site: Iranian Fotros UAV Missing Two Screws. Jabbar Fazeli. 18 November 2013.
- Web site: The Oryx Handbook of Iranian Drones.
- Web site: Spires. Josh. 2020-11-03. Iranian-made drones joined the Iran Air Force's annual drill. 2021-03-04. DroneDJ. en-US.
- Web site: 2020-04-26. IRGC Ground Force to get Fotros drone. 2021-03-04. Tehran Times. en.
- Web site: Axe. David. 2020-04-28. Fotros: Iran Has Killer Drones That Can Loiter over a Battlefield for a Day. 2021-03-04. The National Interest. en.