The Gaza drone is similar in size, shape and role to the American MQ-9 Reaper. It is a larger, heavier, and more capable aircraft than the earlier Shahed 129 which was based on the MQ-1 Predator. It has a flight duration of 35 hours, a range of 2,000 km (1,200 miles), 21 meter wingspan, 350 km/h cruise speed and is capable of carrying 13 bombs and 500 kg of electronic equipment.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: none
• Capacity: 13 bombs and 500 kg of electronic equipment
• Length: 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
• Wingspan: 21 m (68 ft 11 in)
• Height: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
• Powerplant: 1 × turboprop, 650 to 750 hp (estimation)
• Propellers: 4-bladed

Performance

• Cruise speed: 350 km/h (220 mph, 190 kn)
• Range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
• Endurance: 35h
• Service ceiling: 11,000 m (35,000 ft)

Armament

• Bombs: 13 bombs, internal atrium and rotating arm release device

Avionics

• Electro-optical/infrared sensors, including:
  • Day-vision camera with a zoom power of at least 100 to 120 times
  • Thermal imager camera
  • Laser rangefinder
• Environmental monitoring within a radius of 500 km
• Stealth aircraft detection up to a radius of 500 km
• Satellite communication antenna