Ghauri-II
| Ghauri-II/Hatf-VA | |
|---|---|
| External Image 2 | |
| Type | MRBM |
| Place of origin |
 Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Pakistan |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 17,800 kg |
| Length | 18.00 m |
| Diameter | 1.35 m |
| Warhead | 1200 kg conventional or nuclear |
|
| |
| Engine | Single-stage liquid propellant rocket motor |
| Propellant | Liquid fuel |
Operational range | 1500-1800 km[1][2] |
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.[3][4]
Development
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.
Design
The Ghauri-II missile has a maximum range of 2,500 km (1,600 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.[3] 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.[5] 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.[5]
Like most Pakistani missile systems, transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles are used to transport and launch Ghauri II.
See also
- Ballistic missile
- Liquid fuel rocket
- Related developments
References
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