Iran Unveils Light Military Transport Aircraft
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Defense Ministry on Thursday unveiled a homegrown light military transport aircraft named ‘Simorgh’.
The military plane was unveiled at the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation in the central city of Isfahan during a ceremony attended by Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.
In comments at the event, the Iranian defense minister said Simorgh is a redesigned and developed version of the same generation of transport aircraft that suits the needs of the military and civilian organizations and is appropriate for the weather conditions in the country.
The homegrown plane meets the international standards, General Ashtiani stated, adding that its propulsion system, components and fuselage have been designed and manufactured by local experts at the Defense Ministry and the domestic knowledge-based companies.
He also noted that all ground and aerial tests of Simorgh have been carried out inside the country, saying the avionics, propulsion system, new compartments and maneuverability of the new transport plane are incomparable with those of the aircraft of the same generation.
Production of Simorgh has prepared the ground for designing and manufacturing more advanced aircraft in Iran, the minister added.
On the distinguishing features of the aircraft, the general pointed to its light weight, good payload capacity and radius of action, compatibility with Iran’s climate, ability to take off and land on short as well as dirt runways, and its agility that makes it a suitable option as an air ambulance or rescue plane.
Simorgh light military transport aircraft would strengthen Iran’s national interests in all terms, the minister stated, noting that the homegrown plane will absorb foreign currency, lower the costs, create direct and indirect jobs, and allow the Iranian aviation industry to join the world club of manufacturers of heavy and high-tech aircraft.
The defense minister also pointed to the regional developments and threats to the Islamic Republic, saying aerial transportation plays a significant role as the armed forces need to enhance capabilities in logistical operations and transportation of cargoes, vehicles, and manpower in battlefields.
The Iranian Defense Ministry gives priority to boosting the country’s deterrent power and fulfilling the needs of the ground, naval and air units in the areas that determine the fate of asymmetrical warfare, he concluded.