Ghauri-II/Hatf-VA | |
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Type | MRBM |
Place of origin | Pakistan |
Service history | |
Used by | Pakistan |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) |
Specifications | |
Weight | 17,800 kg |
Length | 18.00 m |
Diameter | 1.35 m |
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Warhead | 1200 kg conventional or nuclear |
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Engine | Single-stage liquid propellant rocket motor |
Propellant | Liquid fuel |
Operational range |
2,000 km (with 1,200 kg payload) 2,500 km (with 750 kg payload) |
Guidance system |
Inertial guidance system (INS), GPS satellite guidance |
Launch platform |
Transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
The Ghauri-II is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). A longer ranged variant of the Ghauri-I, it was developed by increasing the length of the motor assembly and using improved propellants.[1][2] The missile is Pakistan's equivalent to the US PGM-19 Jupiter but with a much longer range.
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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 and the missile was handed over to the armed forces. Flight testing and improvements for both missiles continued into 2004. Ghauri-II missile is currently operational with Pakistan's Armed forces.
The Ghauri-II missile has a maximum range of 2,000 km (1,200 mi). 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 1,200 kg, or as low as 750 kg for use at its maximum range[1]. This may used to carry a 250 kg warhead of a 15 to 30 kt yield nuclear, HE or sub-munition warhead. The missile uses a single-stage liquid propellant rocket motor.
The Ghauri-II design improves accuracy by a employing mechanisms that spin the single booster stage and warhead combination approximately 10 seconds before the termination of the powered flight phase at 110 seconds.[3]. At this point, the warhead is then separated from the booster stage to fly on a re-entry trajectory that remains stable to its target, greatly enhancing the missile's accuracy. With the addition of GPS targeting the warhead accuracy is further enhanced.[3]
Like most Pakistani missile systems, transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles are used to transport and launch Ghauri II.
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