New Iranian Modification of Shahed-101 Receives Electric Motor and Propeller in Nose Section

Iran has deployed a new modification of the Shahed-101 drone. This version has undergone significant design changes compared to previous models in the line.

Middle East security analyst Mohammed al-Basha reported on this on his X page.

The drone’s appearance and characteristic sound indicate the use of an electric motor. The power plant propels the drone using a propeller in the nose. This distinguishes it from other Shahed drones, which are usually equipped with a gasoline piston engine with a rear propeller.

The drone’s airframe is fixed-wing. An X-shaped tail is located at the rear of the aircraft to stabilize flight. The Shahed-101 uses a rear-mounted jet accelerator for takeoff.

Characteristics and use of the Shahed-101 in Ukraine

Ukrainian military personnel who examined the wreckage of a Shahed-101 drone used by Russian forces last fall found that it had not yet been localized in Russia and was made entirely of Iranian parts.

The combat unit, including detonators, batteries, a flight computer, and control units, was examined by the military, and all have Iranian markings.

According to estimates, the drone can fly about 800 kilometers (sometimes 600-700 km is mentioned), climb to an altitude of 3,000 meters, and cruise at 120 km/h. The warhead is cylindrical, weighs about 8 kg, and is of the cumulative-fragmentation type.