Since the fall of last year, the Russian occupation forces began to use Iranian kamikaze drones for attacks on Ukraine. These are the Shahed-136 and slightly smaller Shahed-131 drones, designated “Geran-2” and “Geran-1” by the Russian military, respectively. The Russians use this weapon to attack Ukrainian infrastructure, military and civilian objects. Until now, it was not known exactly how the Russian army launched these unmanned aerial vehicles.

Previously, only images of the launcher used by the Iranian military were available to the public. The installation was incorporated into propaganda videos from military exercises.

Shahed-136 kamikaze aircraft. Freeze frame from video

It is designed for simultaneous transport and salvo launch of several kamikaze drones. The setup looks like a truck container. Containers with such drones can easily be placed not only on trucks, but also on railroad cars, various ships and other mobile vehicles.

Iranian barrage munition Shahed-136 launcher. Iranian. Photo: Iranian media

However, the Russians posted a video on social media showing Iranian drones being launched over Ukraine. Drones were launched at night. The drones shown were launched from a light launcher designed for a kamikaze UAV.

Such a launcher was demonstrated by Iranian media in early February. It provides more mobility. You don’t need a truck to transport it. Judging by the dimensions and appearance, it has a small weight.

Lightweight Shahed kamikaze drone launcher. Photo from Iranian media

In the video, you can see that the kamikaze drone engine is started just before launch, and the launch from the launcher is carried out with the help of a solid-fuel rocket accelerator, which works and helps for 2-3 seconds. The plane will rise into the air, then the drone will fly with its own engine.

In general, the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 kamikaze drones used by the Russians against Ukraine work on a similar principle and are maximally combined in details and components, especially electronics. UAVs have a “flying wing” aerodynamic layout.

Iran UAV Shahed-136, February 2023 Photo: Mykhailo Brodskyi

On September 13, 2022, it was learned that the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed Iran’s Shahed-136 unmanned attack UAV for the first time. Shahed-136 It weighs up to 200 kg, its total length is 3.5 m. The weight of the combat part is 40-50 kilograms. The maximum flight altitude of the UAV is 4000 m and the cruise speed is 180 km/h. Shahed-136 is believed to have a range of over 1,000 km. The drone has a loud piston engine MD 550 or 3W, so its flight can be heard from a considerable distance.

Shahed-131, an example from a reference published by the Armed Forces of Ukraine

It was learned for the first time that the Shahed-131 was used by the Russian army for attacks on Ukraine on 13 October. Length Shahed-131 – 2.6 m and wingspan – 2.2 m Approx. weight – 135 kg. The weight of the combat unit is estimated at 10-15 kg. The declared maximum flight range is 900 kilometers. Source