Ghauri-II
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ghauri-II/Hatf-VA | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile MRBM |
| Service history | |
| In service | (Tests) 04/14/1999 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) |
| Unit cost | Unknown |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 17,800 kg |
| Length | 18.00 m |
| Diameter | 1.35 m |
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| Warhead | 15 to 35 kT Nuclear |
| Detonation mechanism |
NA |
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| Engine | single stage liquid propellant engine |
| Wingspan | Unknown |
| Operational range |
2,300 km |
| Flight altitude | 350 km (Apogee) |
| Speed | Unknown |
| Guidance system |
Inertial |
| Launch platform |
transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
Contents |
[edit] Description
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.
[edit] Development
The Ghauri-II missile is designed as a strategic weapon. The range on the Ghauri-II is sufficient for it to strike targets deep within India. Recently, it was suggested that the developing nations missile program warheads would be tumbling about their center of gravity during re-entry, which would then make it difficult to identify. This was because they were not being spun-up along their longitudinal axis prior to re-entry through the atmosphere.The Ghauri-I/II both apparently spin up the single booster stage and warhead combination starting at about 10 seconds before the termination of the powered flight at 110 seconds. At this point after 110 seconds of powered flight the warhead is then separated from the booster stage to fly on a re-entry trajectory that remains stable to its target. With the addition of GPS targeting the warhead accuracy is greatly enhanced[1]
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-I 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 currently in service and under production.
Other missiles currently in the service of Pakistan are Hatf-I (BRBM), Abdali-I (BRBM), Ghaznavi (SRBM), Ghauri-I (MRBM), Ghauri-III (IRBM) (under development), Shaheen-I (MRBM), Shaheen-II (IRBM), Babur (cruise missile) and Ra'ad (cruise missile).
| Designation | Other Name | Range | Payload | Status | Inventory |
| Hatf-I/IA (BRBM) | Hatf-I/IA | 80/100 km | 500 kg | Deployed | 100+ |
| Abdali (SRBM) | Hatf-II | 180 km | 500 kg | Deployed, Under production | Unknown |
| Ghaznavi (SRBM) | Hatf-III | 290 km | 500 kg | Deployed, Under production | ~100+ |
| Shaheen-I (MRBM) | Hatf-IV | 750 km | 750 kg | Deployed, Under production | ~75-150 |
| Ghauri-I (MRBM) | Hatf-V | 1500 km | 700-1000 kg | Deployed, Under production | ~100+ |
| Ghauri-II (MRBM) | Hatf-VA | 2,400 km, More range with lighter payload. | 1200 kg | Operational, Under production | ~100+ |
| Shaheen-II (IRBM) | Hatf-VI | 2,500 km, More range with lighter payload. | 1000+ kg | Deployed, Under production | 200+ |
| Babur (Cruise Missile) | Hatf-VII | 700 km | 500 kg | Deployed | 400-1000 |
| Ra'ad (Air Launched Cruise Missile) | Hatf-VIII | 350 km | Tested | --- | |
| Ghauri-III (IRBM) | 3,500+ km | 1000+ kg | Under Development | ||
| Shaheen-III (IRBM) | 3,500+ km | 1000+ kg | Under Development | ||
| M-11 (SRBM) | 300 km | 500 kg | In service | Unknown |
Note: Not every missile has nuclear payload.
