| Shaheen-I / Hatf-IV | |
|---|---|
| External Image 1 The Shaheen-I missile on display. |
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| Type | Short Range Ballistic Missile |
| Place of origin | Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 6 March 2003 |
| Used by | Pakistan |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | National Defence Complex (NDC) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 9,500 kg (Payload 250-500 kg) |
| Length | 12 m |
| Diameter | 1 m |
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| Warhead | Conventional high-explosive or nuclear |
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| Engine | Single-stage solid fuel rocket motor |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
| Operational range |
750 km[1] |
| Launch platform |
Transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
The Shaheen (Urdu: شاهين) missile series, named after a species of falcon found in the mountains of Pakistan, was developed by NESCOM's National Defence Complex (NDC) of Pakistan. Shaheen I is also designated Hatf IV.[2]
Contents |
Shaheen I is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with an optimal range of 750 km, while Shaheen II is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with an optimal range of 3000 - 3500 km propelled by a two stage solid fuel rocket motor. The Shaheen I can deliver either a conventional or a nuclear payload much faster than liquid fuelled missiles such as the Ghauri because it does not need to be fuelled before launch, reducing deployment time significantly.
The Shaheen I and Shaheen II are believed to be very accurate;[3] Pakistani military sources state a CEP of 25 to 50 m can be achieved,[4] partly due to a "post-separation attitude correction system."[1] This system would allow the missile to modify its trajectory, improving accuracy and, along with the stealthy warhead shaping, giving some capability to evade missile defence systems. It is based on terminal guidance system technology, which improves warhead accuracy by firing small thrusters to adjust the warhead's trajectory and uses satellite navigation systems to help find the target. Such systems would allow the Shaheen to be used against strategic targets without requiring a nuclear warhead to ensure the target's destruction.[1]
The Shaheen I was first test-launched on April 15, 1999. Two test-launches of a second version with greater range and improved accuracy were carried out in October 2002 and two more in October 2003. A batch of Shaheen I missiles, enough to equip one regiment/battery, was handed over to the Pakistan Army in 2003 along with mobile launchers.[5] Another was tested on 8 May 2010[6]
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