Zelzal-3

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zelzal-3
Zelzal-3 in 2009
TypeArtillery rocket
Service history
In service2007–present
Used by Iran
 Syria
WarsYemeni Civil War (2015–present)
Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen
Production history
ManufacturerIran
Specifications
Mass3.6–3.87 tonnes depending on model.
Length9–9.6 m depending on model
Diameter610 mm
WarheadOne

EngineSolid
Operational
range
250–400 km depending on model[1][2]
Guidance
system
Inertial plus GPS[3]
Launch
platform
Transporter erector launcher

Zelzal-3 (Persian: زلزال-۳, meaning "earthquake") is an Iranian-made solid propellant guided artillery rocket with a range of 200 km.[4] It is an upgrade of the Zelzal-2 rocket with slightly improved range and was first shown to the public in 2007. A variant, the Zelzal-3B, has a smaller warhead and a range of 250 km.[2] The shape and dimensions of the Zelzal-3 are nearly identical with previous versions except that the nosecone is cone shaped rather than the dome shaped Zelzal-2 and Zelzal-1. The Zelzal-3 has received little use as the much more accurate Fateh-110 missile was also developed from the Zelzal-2.

A number of sources confuse the Zelzal-3 with the Shahab-3 ballistic missile.

Zelzal-3 rockets before firing

Operators[edit]

Map with Zelzal-3 operators in blue

Houthis have a rocket they call the Zelzal-3, which they claim it is locally-made and not imported from Iran.[6]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Modlex product: MXF05-000360 Zelzal 3 Surface to Surface Rocket". Modlex.ir. Archived from the original on 2012-09-08. Retrieved 2013-09-03.
  2. ^ a b c "Modlex product: MXF05-000370 Zelzal 3-B Surface to Surface Rocket". Modlex.ir. Archived from the original on 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2013-09-03.
  3. ^ Iran Rocket Missile forces amazonaws.com
  4. ^ Cordesman, Anthony H. (2007). Lessons of the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah War. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-89206-505-9
  5. ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS". Articles.janes.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. Retrieved 2013-09-03.
  6. ^ Analysis: IRGC implicated in arming Yemeni Houthis with rockets