Iran to unveil single seat "Saeqeh" fighter aircraft

Islamic Republic News Agency
Tuesday, April 2, 2007

Iranian Aircraft Industries (IACI) has joined with Malek Ashtar’s Aeronautical Research Center to develop the first indigenous Iranian military jet since the formation of the Islamic Republic in 1979, senior management sources told The Islamic Republic News Agency.

Larger than the Shafaq, the Saeqeh light combat fighter hopes to address the domestic demand for next generation combat aircraft and advance training jets. While a tandem twin seat mock up has been unveiled, there has been few mention of the single seat version.

Due to recent tensions between Iran and foreign aggressors, development of a single seat variant has been pushed despite minor technical difficulties. The single seat Saeqeh will represent Iran’s first true indigenous fighter of the fourth generation, capable of matching or exceeding the performance of the American F-15, Russian MiG-29, and French Mirage 2000.

Last year The Islamic Republic News Agency acquired information on the development of the twin seat Saeqeh. According to sources, there will be few differences between the single seat and twin seat versions.

“The single seat Saeqeh will be displayed at the next Kish Air Show, and we expect the aircraft to take off for its maiden flight very soon,” an IACI source said. IACI conducted preliminary design work several years ago for a new advanced combat aircraft, but faced with mushrooming development costs of nearly $400 million it teamed up with IAMI to develop and promote a lightweight plane with clear potential for further military applications. The Saeqeh will fly at 1.7 Mach, or about 2,083 kph. It will weigh approximately 4,700 kg. The Saeqeh’s cockpit and avionics will be compatible with the display and other systems in advanced generation fighters, including the F-15, F-16, MiG-29, Rafale and Eurofighter. Systems will include embedded simulations of combat scenarios, simulated operation of weapons and self-defense systems and mission planning and debriefing capabilities. IACI also sees a strong market in Asia, and is likely to offer the aircraft to air forces operating 60’s era aircraft.

http://www2.irna.com/fa/news/view/line-2/8601128459200031.htm