Shahab 3
The Shahab 3 is a single-stage medium-range missile, which was developed in the 1990s in Iran. It is based on the North Korean Nodong missile -1.
Development
Beginning of the 1990s began in Iran with North Korean help with the development of the Shahab- 3 missile. Probably even more Nodong -1 missiles from North Korea were brought to Pakistan to Iran. The first test launch took place on 22 July 1998. Meanwhile, to about 150 pieces have been put into service. The Pakistani Ghauri medium-range missile is almost identical with the Shahab 3
Variants
- Shahab 3: first variant with a range of 1000-1200 km
- Shahab 3A variant with a range of 1300-1700 km
- Shahab 3B/3M/3D: variant with new, slimmer warhead section; Reach 2000 km
- Ghadr: Shahab 3B with improved hit accuracy
- Ghadr -F: Ghadr modified with a range of 1950 km
- Kavoshgar: rocket, based on the Gadr 1
In September 2007, the Ghadr was unveiled. This could be a further development of the Shahab 3, but now with a range of 1800 km.
Iranian information from October 2004, according improved versions of the missile have been developed (sometimes called Shahab 4 ), reaching a range of 1900 km, so can carry warheads ( with a mass of 500 kg) to Europe. The hit accuracy (CEP ) is controversial among experts. While some speak of about 190 m, hold other 1 to 2 km for the more realistic.
On August 16, 2008 at 19:32 UTC Iran tried by its own account with a modified Shahab 3 has its own first satellite Safir -e Omid (Hope ) from the test area located south of Semnan in the desert of Dasht -e Kavir - in to bring Earth orbit. However, the startup failed due to an explosion of the second stage in 152 km altitude.