Ghauri-II
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ghauri-II/Hatf-VA | |
|---|---|
| Ghauri-II/Hatf-VA | |
| Basic data | |
| Function | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile MRBM |
| Manufacturer | Kahutta Research Laboratories (KRL) |
| Unit cost | Unknown |
| Entered service | (Tests) 04/14/1999 |
| General characteristics | |
| Engine | single stage liquid propellant engine |
| Launch mass | 17,800 kg |
| Length | 18.00 m |
| Diameter | 1.35 m |
| Wingspan | Unknown |
| Speed | Unknown |
| Range | 2,300 km |
| Flying altitude | 350 km (Apogee) |
| Warhead | 15 to 35 kT Nuclear |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| Fuzes | NA |
| Launch platform | transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
The Ghauri-II is a medium-range ballistic missile MRBM. It is a longer ranged variant of the Ghauri-I missile. It was developed by increasing the length of the motor assembly and using improved propellants. It is indigenously made in Pakistan although similarities can be seen with the North Korean No-dong 1 and 2. The Iranian Shahab 3 and 4 designs appear extremely similar both in appearance and capabilities.
The Ghauri-II missile is designed as a strategic weapon. The CEP of the Ghauri-II missile is 250m. The range on the Ghauri-II is sufficient for it to strike targets deep within India.
Like most Pakistani missile systems, transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles. A modified tank is also known to have been used for a TEL vehicle. These vehicles hide the Ghauri-II from attack and allow for rapid transport and deployment.
The Ghauri-II missile has a range of 2,300 km (1,429 miles). It is 18.0 m in length, has a diameter of 1.35 m and a launch weight of 17,800 kg. Its payload is a single separating warhead weighing up to 1,200 kg. The payload has been reduced from 1,200 kg to 1,000 kg, or as low as 750 kg for use at its maximum range. This is used to carry a 750 kg load of a 15 to 35 kT yield nuclear, chemical, HE or submunition warhead. The missile uses a single-stage liquid propellant engine.
The Ghauri-II started development at the Khan Research Laboratories in 1993, with the first flight test occurring in 1998. The first flight test of the Ghauri-II took place in 1999. Flight testing for both missiles continued into 2004. As for the status of the Ghauri-II missile, it is curruntly in service and under production.
