Engineering:Kowsar
Kowsar | |
---|---|
![]() Kowsar (C-701 copy) | |
Type | Anti-ship missile |
Service history | |
In service | 2006 |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Iran |
Specifications | |
Mass | 100 kg |
Length | 2.507 m |
Diameter | 0.18 m |
Warhead | 29 kg time-delayed semi-armour-piercing high-explosive |
Engine | Solid rocket engine |
Wingspan | 0.587 m (unfolded); 0.450 m (folded) |
Operational range | 15-20 km |
Flight altitude | 15-20 m (flight) |
Speed | Mach 0.8 |
Guidance system | TV-homing, Infra-red, millimetre radar |
Launch platform | Ground-based vehicles and Zolfaghar class fast attack craft |
Kowsar (Persian: کوثر) is a medium-range, land-based anti-ship missile made by Iran. It can defeat electronic jamming systems and "cannot be thrown off course", according to Iranian officials.[1]
The Kowsar designation apparently (Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance 2006) is used to refer to two different missiles: Iranian-produced versions of the PRC C-701 and the TL-10A.
Combat history
Some news reports indicate that this was the missile used on July 14, 2006 in the 2006 Lebanon War when Hezbollah fired two at Israeli warships.[2][3] One of the missiles hit the corvette INS Hanit, causing heavy damage and the deaths of four Israeli servicemen.[4] The other missile hit an Egyptian merchant ship causing heavy damage; it is reported that all the crew survived.[5]
See also
- Military of Iran
- Iranian military industry
- Equipment of the Iranian Army
References
- ↑ IRGC test-fires super-modern flying boat
- ↑ "Hizballah Brings out Iranian Silkworm to Hit Israel Navy Corvette (Iranian-made C-802)". http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1184.
- ↑ Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Israel turning to Turkey to block Hizbollah arms, Reuters, Aug 17, 2006". http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L17649115.htm.
- ↑ "IDF finds bodies of missing sailors aboard damaged Navy ship". Haaretz.com. 16 July 2006. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/738748.html.
- ↑ Egypt confirms ship hit off Lebanon, crew safe[|permanent dead link|dead link}}]
- Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance - "Iran acquires additional Chinese missile technology." Aviation Week & Space Technology. April 10, 2006.
- Picture