Shaheen missile
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| Shaheen IRBM | |
|---|---|
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| Basic data | |
| Function | Medium Range Ballistic Missile |
| Manufacturer | National Defence Complex (NDC) |
| Unit cost | NA |
| Entered service | 6 March 2003 |
| General characteristics | |
| Engine | Solid Propellant Fuel |
| Launch mass | 25,000 kg
Re-Entry Vehicle Mass: 1,050 kg |
| Length | 17.5 m |
| Diameter | 1.4 m |
| Wingspan | NA |
| Speed | Mach 10 |
| Range | Shaheen 1: 750 km Shaheen 2: 2,500 km |
| Warhead | Conventional HE/Nuclear 1000 kg |
| Guidance | Terminal |
| Fuzes | NA |
| Launch platform | TEL |
The Shaheen missile series (named after a white eagle that lives in the mountains) is a variant of the Hatf missile that was developed by National Defence Complex (NDC), a subsidiary of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) which was formed in 1993, under the guidance of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand.
The Shaheen missile is an medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with an optimal range of 2500 km. Sources indicate that Pakistan is preparing to launch an Intermediate range ballistic missile (BM) with a range of 3000+ km. The Shaheen missile is very accurate by the standards of ballistic missiles and has a CEP of 50 meters. The Shaheen 1 had a solid fuel rocket motor, while the Shaheen 2 was the first to use a multi-stage motor system.
The Shaheen missile can deliver either a conventional or a non-conventional payload and is powered by a solid propellant engine, making it a faster to deploy than systems such as the Ghauri or Agni missile. All of the missile's systems, including the avionics are manufactured indigenously by Pakistan, meaning that Pakistan retains full control over the technology used. It is also thought that Pakistan is in the process of developing the capability to fire these missiles from submarines and ships, a feature that would greatly enhance the deterrent capability of the Pakistani navy which is at present seen as somewhat inferior to the Indian navy.
Other ballistic missiles currently in the service of Pakistan are; Hatf I (BRBM), Abdali-I (BRBM), Ghaznavi (SRBM), Ghauri (MRBM). Pakistan also developed a cruise missile, Babur
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[edit] Shaheen I
- Range: 750km
- Weight: 9,500kg
- Warhead Weight: 1000kg
- Warheads: Nuclear, HE
[edit] Shaheen II
Shaheen 2 Pakistan’s largest and most capable ballistic missile is the two-stage Shaheen 2, or Hatf 6. At this point it has no known counterpart in the Chinese missile arsenal. The IDEAS show very likely featured an operational example of this missile, which was only launched for the first time on March 9, 2004. This missile was also displayed without the second-stage guidance fins, which had been a feature on this missile first being displayed in 2000.
- Range: 2500km
- Weight: 15,000kg
- Warhead Weight: 1,000kg
- Warheads: Nuclear[1], HE, Cluster
[edit] Operator
Pakistan: The military of Pakistan is the only operator of the Shaheen.
