The Kaman 22, the future challenger of the MQ-1?

Already having a wide range of military UAVs (Kaman, Karrar, Kian, Simorgh, Mohajer, Ababil, Yasser, Sadegh, Hazem), Iran is presenting the new Kaman 22 (arrow in Persian), which has many similarities with its American counterpart, the MQ-1 Predator. Exposed on the ground, the aircraft has apparently not yet flown. It was presented with its complete armament including air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs similar to the Paveway, and an electronic jamming pod (copy of the AN/ALQ-101 or -119).

The characteristics

According to official Iranian sources, it has an endurance of more than 24 hours and a range of 3000 kilometers (compared to the 1800 kilometers of the MQ-9 Reaper). In terms of size, it would have a length and wingspan similar to the MQ-1 Predator (8.2/16.8 meters). Its weight would be 530 kilos. In addition, the Kaman 22 would have a payload of 390 kilos.

An Iranian infox?

Although of poor resolution, the first pictures of the Kaman-22 reveal several potential defects in its construction. One can notably see rust on the nose gear, tape around the central landing gear and a very large attachment for the central pylon. In addition, its landing gear appears to be fixed. Finally, it is difficult to imagine such a range for a drone of this category.