shahed136.com

Drone Intelligence Reference

Shahed-136 Drone Profile

A detailed English resource on the Shahed-136: its design logic, estimated performance envelope, launch profile, and how analysts classify it among one-way attack drones.

Mini 3D Game - Fighter jet shoot down Shahed-136 drones

Fighter jet mode: WASD / Arrow keys · Space to fire

Score: 0

Time: 60s

Lives: 3

Read overview See key specs Play mini game Quick FAQ Download Trygg Encryption App

What Is the Shahed-136?

The Shahed-136 is widely described in open-source defense analysis as an Iranian one-way attack drone, often grouped under the loitering munition category. Its shape, propulsion setup, and launch method are optimized for cost-effective, long-distance strike usage.

In many reports, the platform appears under different designations depending on operator context and local naming conventions.

Why It Draws Attention

  • Low-cost architecture compared to many larger missile systems.
  • Noticeable acoustic signature from piston engine propulsion.
  • Simple launch infrastructure enables flexible deployment.
  • Frequent discussion in drone warfare and air-defense analysis.

Shahed-136 Specifications (Open-Source Estimates)

Values vary across sources. The table below summarizes commonly cited ranges in publicly available analysis.

Technical snapshot for the Shahed-136 drone platform
Category Typical Open-Source Value
Type One-way attack drone / loitering munition
Airframe Delta-wing body with rear pusher propeller
Length About 3.5 m
Wingspan About 2.5 m
Range Often reported in long-range class (varies by profile)
Navigation Reportedly GNSS/inertial with pre-programmed route logic
Launch Method Rail or rack-assisted launch from mobile platforms

Design and Flight Profile

  • Compact airframe for transport and batch deployment.
  • Engine-propeller setup emphasizes endurance over speed.
  • Typical profile is low-to-medium altitude with direct routeing.
  • Terminal phase is mission-ending impact against a target zone.

Comparison in the Drone Ecosystem

  • Different role than reusable ISR quadcopters and MALE UAVs.
  • Often compared with other low-cost long-range strike drones.
  • Frequently analyzed alongside air-defense interception economics.
  • Part of broader trends in attritable unmanned systems.

Airframe and Subsystems Breakdown

  • Nose section is typically associated with guidance electronics and mission route logic.
  • Mid-body volume is usually described as housing fuel and control components.
  • Delta-wing geometry helps keep construction simple while providing stable cruise behavior.
  • Rear pusher configuration separates propulsion from the nose and front body section.

Operational and Analytical Context

  • Often assessed as part of saturation tactics where numbers can stress layered air defenses.
  • Acoustic signature is regularly cited as a practical cue for visual or auditory detection in some scenarios.
  • Open-source analysts compare cost-per-intercept dynamics against higher-end defensive munitions.
  • Frequently discussed alongside broader trends in low-cost, attritable unmanned strike systems.

FAQ: Shahed-136 Drone

Is Shahed-136 a missile or a drone?

Most analysts classify it as a one-way attack drone (loitering munition), though some discussions compare its mission profile to cruise-missile-like strike behavior.

Does the Shahed-136 return after mission completion?

It is generally described as a non-recoverable system designed for one-way strike missions.

Why is the Shahed-136 often called a "kamikaze drone"?

The phrase appears in media shorthand for one-way drones that impact the target area at mission end.

Are all published specifications exact?

No. Open-source values can differ by source quality, variant, and operational context.