The Noor missile is an Iranian-made anti-ship cruise missile based on the Chinese C-802 missile. It was developed by the Iranian Navy in 2005 and represents a significant component of Iran’s maritime capabilities. This report will provide a detailed overview of the Noor missile, focusing on its specifications, features, and operational capabilities.
Missile Overview:
• Name: Noor (نور)
• Type: Anti-ship cruise missile
• Country of Origin: Iran
• Year Developed: 2005
• Base Model: Chinese C-802 missile
General Specifications:
• Length: Approximately 6.39 meters
• Diameter: 0.36 meters
• Wingspan: 1.22 meters
• Weight: Approx. 715 kg
• Warhead: 165 kg high-explosive warhead with dual-stage explosive capability. The first stage penetrates the surface, followed by an internal explosion to maximize damage.
Propulsion and Range:
• Engine Type: Solid-fuel rocket engine
• Range:
• Standard version: 120 kilometers
• Upgraded versions: Over 200 kilometers
• Flight Speed: Subsonic, with speeds reaching up to Mach 0.9
Launch Platforms:
• Ground-based: Can be launched from mobile coastal platforms.
• Naval-based: Compatible with various Iranian naval vessels such as corvettes and frigates.
• Aircraft-based: Can be fired from Iranian fighter jets, such as the F-4 Phantom.
• Helicopter-based: Modified to be launched from rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters), adding flexibility to Iran’s maritime capabilities.
Guidance and Targeting Systems:
• Guidance System: Inertial navigation system (INS) combined with active radar homing for terminal guidance. This ensures that the missile can effectively track and hit moving naval targets at sea.
• Anti-Jamming Capabilities: Equipped with advanced anti-jamming systems that reduce the chances of interference and ensure accurate targeting, even in hostile environments where electronic countermeasures are employed.
• Accuracy: The missile is reported to have a hit probability of around 98%, making it highly effective in targeting surface vessels.
Warhead and Impact Capabilities:
• Warhead Type: High-explosive, with 165 kg of explosives designed for penetration. The missile is designed to pierce through a ship’s surface and then detonate internally for maximum structural damage.
• Detonation Mechanism: Dual-stage, with the first detonation breaching the ship’s hull, followed by an internal explosion to cripple the vessel from within.
Additional Features:
• Sea Skimming Capability: The Noor missile is capable of flying at low altitudes, which reduces its visibility to enemy radar systems, making it harder to intercept.
• Terminal Maneuvers: It is designed to conduct evasive maneuvers during the final stages of flight, further increasing its chances of hitting its target.
Operational History:
The Noor missile has been used in various regional conflicts and exercises, primarily by Iran and its allied groups. Hezbollah has reportedly incorporated the missile into its arsenal and has used it in several engagements with Israeli naval forces. Notably, it is a key asset in asymmetric warfare strategies against larger, more technologically advanced navies.
In conclusion, the Noor missile is a versatile and potent anti-ship weapon that poses a serious threat to naval forces in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Its ability to be launched from multiple platforms, combined with advanced guidance systems and anti-jamming capabilities, make it a crucial component of Iran’s maritime defense strategy and a significant threat in regional conflicts.
