HESA Kowsar: Iranian multi-role fighter based on the F-5 design, featuring upgraded avionics, domestic production, and light combat capabilities.
The HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt) is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Iran’s Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company (HESA). Based on the Northrop F-5 design, it features significant upgrades, including advanced avionics, a digital cockpit, and an improved fire-control system. The Kowsar is equipped with twin General Electric J85 turbojet engines, enabling it to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a range of 1,400 km (870 miles). Designed for light combat, training, and reconnaissance, it carries a range of munitions, including bombs, rockets, and air-to-air missiles. The aircraft’s modular design facilitates maintenance and adaptation for various mission profiles. With its emphasis on domestic production and self-reliance, the Kowsar serves as a symbol of Iran’s efforts to modernize its defense industry despite international sanctions.
History of the development of the HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt)
The HESA Kowsar emerged as part of Iran’s long-standing effort to modernize its air force while circumventing international restrictions. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran faced significant challenges in maintaining its U.S.-supplied fleet of aircraft due to sanctions. The Northrop F-5, a lightweight fighter extensively used by the Iranian Air Force (IRIAF), became the foundation for indigenous development efforts.
By the early 2000s, the IRIAF’s aging fleet of F-5s highlighted the urgent need for modernization. Rather than acquiring foreign aircraft, which was restricted due to sanctions, Iran focused on reverse-engineering and upgrading existing platforms. HESA, a subsidiary of Iran’s Ministry of Defense, was tasked with developing an upgraded version of the F-5.
The program aimed to create an aircraft that could perform light combat and training missions while incorporating modern systems. Drawing on experience gained from earlier projects like the Saeqeh fighter, the Kowsar was designed to feature improved avionics, a glass cockpit, and a fire-control radar.
The Kowsar project was officially unveiled in August 2018 during Iran’s National Defense Industry Day. The unveiling included a public flight demonstration, signaling its operational readiness. Iranian officials emphasized the Kowsar’s role in reducing reliance on foreign technology and enhancing domestic production capabilities.
While the Kowsar closely resembles the F-5 in appearance, it integrates several enhancements, particularly in avionics and weapons systems. These upgrades aim to address the limitations of the original F-5 design while retaining its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
The development of the Kowsar also reflects Iran’s strategic priorities. By focusing on a platform suited for regional conflicts and low-intensity engagements, the aircraft provides a practical solution for the IRIAF’s needs. Despite skepticism from international observers regarding its capabilities, the Kowsar represents a significant milestone in Iran’s defense industry.
Design of the HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt)
The HESA Kowsar retains the core airframe design of the Northrop F-5 while incorporating modern upgrades to enhance performance and mission adaptability. Its design emphasizes simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and maintainability.
The aircraft measures 14.4 meters (47.2 feet) in length, with a wingspan of 8.13 meters (26.7 feet) and a height of 4.1 meters (13.5 feet). Its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is approximately 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs). The airframe is constructed from lightweight aluminum alloys, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
The Kowsar is powered by two General Electric J85 turbojet engines, each producing 2,950 pounds of thrust dry and 4,300 pounds with afterburner. These engines are locally produced under license, ensuring a steady supply of components for maintenance and replacement.
The cockpit features a digital glass display, replacing the analog instruments of the original F-5. The advanced avionics suite includes a heads-up display (HUD), a fire-control radar system, and upgraded navigation and communication systems. These improvements enhance situational awareness and mission capability.
Armament capabilities include a 20mm M39A2 cannon and compatibility with a range of munitions. The Kowsar can carry air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, unguided rockets, and precision-guided bombs. Its payload capacity is approximately 3,200 kg (7,050 lbs), distributed across seven external hardpoints.
While the Kowsar’s design is practical and reliable, it lacks stealth features and advanced sensor integration, limiting its effectiveness in high-threat environments. However, its modular design allows for customization, making it adaptable for various mission profiles.
The Kowsar’s design underscores Iran’s strategy to modernize its air force while maintaining affordability and self-reliance.
Performance of the HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt)
The HESA Kowsar delivers reliable performance as a multi-role fighter, suitable for light combat, training, and reconnaissance missions. Powered by twin General Electric J85 turbojet engines, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, or approximately 1,960 km/h (1,217 mph).
The Kowsar’s operational ceiling is 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), enabling it to operate effectively at high altitudes. Its range is approximately 1,400 km (870 miles), extendable with external fuel tanks. The aircraft’s rate of climb is 175 meters per second (34,450 feet per minute), ensuring rapid altitude gain during combat scenarios.
Compared to modern multi-role fighters, the Kowsar is not designed for air superiority roles in high-intensity conflicts. However, its performance parameters align with the needs of regional operations, focusing on low-intensity engagements and air defense.
The aircraft’s maneuverability benefits from its lightweight design and simple controls. These characteristics make it suitable for pilot training and basic combat missions. The J85 engines, while dated, are cost-effective and reliable, ensuring consistent operational availability.
When compared to competitors such as the JF-17 Thunder or the MiG-21, the Kowsar offers comparable performance in terms of speed and payload capacity. However, it lacks advanced features like stealth, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, or beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile compatibility.
The Kowsar’s performance highlights its role as a transitional platform for the IRIAF, bridging the gap between older aircraft and future acquisitions or developments.
Variants of the HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt)
The HESA Kowsar has been developed in two primary variants, with potential for future adaptations:
- Kowsar-88: The initial version designed for pilot training and light combat. It features the upgraded avionics suite, digital cockpit, and basic armament capabilities.
- Kowsar-Advanced: A proposed variant with enhanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and additional systems for reconnaissance missions.
While both variants share the same airframe and propulsion system, differences lie in mission-specific equipment and operational focus.
Military use and combat of the HESA Kowsar (Thunderbolt)
The HESA Kowsar serves as a multi-role aircraft for the Iranian Air Force, fulfilling roles in training, light combat, and air defense. Its primary role is to supplement Iran’s aging fleet of F-5s, providing a platform for pilot training and basic combat missions.
The Kowsar has been used extensively in training missions, preparing pilots for operations on more advanced platforms. Its upgraded avionics and digital cockpit enable it to simulate modern combat scenarios, ensuring pilot readiness.
In combat scenarios, the Kowsar is deployed for low-intensity engagements and air defense missions. Its payload capacity allows it to carry a variety of munitions, including air-to-air missiles and unguided bombs. While not suited for contested environments, the Kowsar is effective for regional conflicts and border defense.
The aircraft’s modular design makes it adaptable for reconnaissance missions, using external pods equipped with electro-optical sensors. This capability is particularly useful for monitoring border regions and gathering intelligence.
The Kowsar has not been involved in major conflicts, but it has been used in patrol and air policing missions. Its cost-effectiveness and reliability ensure consistent operational availability, even under resource constraints.
The Kowsar faces competition from aircraft such as the JF-17 Thunder and MiG-21. While these platforms offer advanced features, the Kowsar’s domestic production and adaptability make it a practical choice for Iran’s needs.
The HESA Kowsar represents Iran’s effort to modernize its air force while maintaining affordability and self-reliance. Combining a proven airframe with modern systems, the Kowsar fulfills roles in training, light combat, and reconnaissance. While it lacks advanced features, its practicality and adaptability ensure its relevance in regional operations.
Back to the Fighter Jet section.