The Shahpar ll is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) built by Global Industrial Defence Solutions of Pakistan. It is currently in production following the completion of a test and qualification phase.

According to an engineer of AERO (Advanced Engineering Research Organisation), one of the seven companies forming the GIDS consortium, the only parts of the Shahpar aircraft system not produced in Pakistan are the engine and tires. The sensor suite, a multi-sensor turret designated "Zumr-II (EO/IR)", is built at an AERO facility near Islamabad. The design features a pusher engine with canard foreplanes in front of the wings.

GIDS Shahpar-2

The Shahpar II is designed to autonomously take off and land on a runway or land with a parachute. Payloads are available for reconnaissance and day/night surveillance. Targets on the ground can be geo-referenced and geo-pointed by the avionics. The military standard hardware is built to Environmental Standard 810F. Ground equipment is capable of mission planning and simulation; mission management and control as well as debriefing of ground crew. An upgraded version Shappar-2 block II has been launched which boasts higher service ceiling and longer flight time.

GIDS Shahpar-2

Development

On March 23, 2021, Shahpar-II drone was first exhibited publicly during the Pakistan Day parade. It was being developed as an improved version of GIDS Shahpar.

GIDS Shahpar-2

On 28 November 2021, at EDEX 2021 Operational specifications were unveiled by GIDS and a promotional video of Shahpur-II drone showing its locating, tracking and targeting capabilities as surveillance and ground attack drone. Zumr-II (EO/IR) turret was also unveiled as an improved and lighter version of Zumr-I (EP) turret. Targeting / surveillance Turret is installed as internal payload. Drone can also be equipped with other targeting system available from foreign supplier. Drone can also be equipped with SAR, COMINT/ELINT payload. For sensors and targeting systems drone has an internal hard-point where it carry payload. (Zumr-I weighs while Zumr-II weighs ). The drone has two external hard-points where it can carry Laser guided weapons, AGMs each. The promo shows Shahpar-II drone firing Barq laser guided ASM on moving and still targets with high accuracy.

Features

Improved Aerodynamics & Structure

Enhanced Payload Options (ie COMINT/ELINT, SAR. EO/IR)

SATCOM capable

Mid-air Engine restart capability

Equipped with ATC transponder/Provision of IFF

Provision of Internal Pilot

Enhanced Propulsion System

Retractable Landing Gears

Asymmetric landing

Specifications (Shahpar-2 Block 2) Data from

General characteristics

Length: Wingspan: Max takeoff weight: Payload: internal, external

Performance

Maximum speed: Cruise speed: Stall speed: Endurance: 20 hours surveillance, 12 hours armed Service ceiling: surveillance, armed

Armaments

Hardpoints: 4, with provisions to carry: Barq Laser guided missile

Avionics

GIDS Zumr-II (EO/IR) multi-sensor turret

Autonomous GPS-based tracking and control system

Real-time data link (LoS) (300 km range) SATCOM data link (1500 km range)

Shahpar III

The Shahpar III Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV development is on the way and its first flight is expected around the end of 2023. It was displayed in IDEF Turkey along with the new Faaz air to air missile.

See also

References

Airborne military robots

Single-engined pusher aircraft

Pakistan Army

Pakistan Air Force

Military equipment of Pakistan

Unmanned military aircraft of Pakistan