Fajr-5

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The Fajr-5 (Persian: فجر-5, meaning "dawn-5") is an artillery rocket developed by Iran in early 2006. The system is part of the Fajr family of rockets.

In May 2006, Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) has developed an upgraded version of the well-established Fajr-5 333 mm (4-round) unguided surface-to-surface artillery rocket system (ARS).^[1]

The latest production of the Fajr-5 is installed on a new Mercedes-Benz 6 x 6 forward control chassis and the platform is now integrated into a complete weapon system rather than an individual launcher. To provide a more stable firing platform four hydraulically operated stabilisers are lowered to the ground before firing.

The new chassis has improved cross-country mobility and the forward control fully enclosed cab provides space for the driver and two passengers. Another fully enclosed cabin to the immediate rear of the cab houses the remainder of the crew. The new Mercedes-Benz chassis is similar to that manufactured in China, which is used as the basis for the Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) 122 mm (40-round) Type 90 ARS.

While the primary role of this artillery rocket system is the engagement of land targets, AIO says that a radar can be added to give the system the capability to track and engage naval targets. The Fajr-5 missile, which is launched from a mobile platform, reportedly has a range of 75 kilometers, or 50 miles.

[edit] Combat History

It is reported that Iran has supplied a number of these rockets to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon in 2006.^[2]

• During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict Hezbollah militants fired rockets deeper into Israel than in past conflicts. Hezbollah has called these rockets the Khaibar-1.^[3] Israeli police bomb experts believe the rockets are an enhanced version of the Iranian-made Fajr-5 rockets. The attack attained the longest range of its kind from the Lebanese border to date.^[4]

(Picture of Rocket) http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/images/mrl-iran.jpg

[edit] References

1. ^ Foss, Christopher F. "Fadjr-5 artillery rocket system gets new chassis", Jane's Information Group, 2006-05-08. Retrieved on July 30, 2006.
2. ^ "Le Hezbollah tire des missiles "au-delà de Haïfa" alors que les raids aériens israéliens s'intensifient", Le Monde, 2006-07-29.
3. ^ Gannon, Kathy. "Hezbollah Fires New Rockets Into Israel", Associated Press, 2006-07-28. Retrieved on July 30, 2006.
4. ^ Roffe-Ofir, Sharon. "Fajr-5 missiles fired at Israel", YNet, 2006-07-28. Retrieved on July 30, 2006.

[edit] See also

• Iran's missile forces

Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Iranian Army | Iranian Navy | Iranian Air Force | Islamic Revolutionary Guards