Iranian Shahed-136 loitering munition (LM) can now be launched from a pickup truck.

This method does not require the use of a rocket booster, which is needed when launching this drone from other launchers.

The capability of using this method of launching Shahed-136/131 LM became known from published footage in the Iranian media.

Recently, a movie was announced that would soon be presented in Iran, telling the story of the creation and use of the Shahed UAV.

The published footage captures pickup trucks, each carrying launchers along with one kamikaze drone in their cargo compartments.

According to the video, to launch the LM, a car must accelerate to a certain speed on a straight stretch of road to give the Shahed acceleration when it leaves the launcher’s guide with the engine running.

Thus, the launch of the LM occurs without the use of a solid rocket booster, which reduces the cost of producing such a modification of the Shahed-136/131.

The use of a mobile launcher on the chassis of a conventional civilian vehicle ensures fast transportation to the launch point, which does not require prior preparation. The vehicle launches the drone on a specific section of the road and then drives on.

Other launch options

Previously, images of another launcher used by the Iranian military were publicly available.

It is designed for transportation and multiple launch of several kamikaze drones at once. The installation resembles a truck container. Containers with such drones can be easily placed not only on trucks but also on railway cars, various ships, and other mobile means.

A light launcher is also used, designed to launch one kamikaze UAV. It provides greater mobility and does not require a truck to transport it. Judging by its size and appearance, its weight is small. Russians use such installations to launch Shahed-136/131 on the territory of Ukraine.

Before direct launch, the kamikaze drone’s engine is started, and the launch is carried out using a solid rocket booster, which works for 2-3 seconds and helps the aircraft get airborne. Then, the drone flies at the expense of its own engine.