Ra'ad 3 Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Ra'ad 3 Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a mission similar to that of the Ra'ad-2, but it comes with several enhancements. It features an increased wingspan of approximately 1.85 meters and a slightly larger fuselage, measuring about 2 meters in length. These larger dimensions, along with a more powerful engine, likely enable the drone to carry a greater energy storage capacity. As a result, its flight duration has been extended to 40 minutes, and it can now support a warhead weighing up to 12 kilograms. The Raad-3 features fixed wings and is launched from a rail with the assistance of a rocket booster. Using rail launchers to provide initial acceleration for drones is common and typically involves hydraulic, pneumatic, or JATO (Jet-Assisted Take-Off) systems. This method is also seen in various variants of the Russian Lancet-E and other similar drones.