French TV Network Highlights Khayber Missile’s Advanced Capabilities
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, French television channel LCI has reported that Iran, with its “Khayber” missile, has demonstrated an unprecedented level of combat and military capability. This advancement positions Iran to respond and retaliate against any potential attack.
The French news network noted Iran’s extensive missile arsenal, stating that the country possesses missiles capable of targeting U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf and even the Strait of Hormuz.
The Khayber missile is a long-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers. First unveiled in June 2023, it measures 13 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.5 meters, and weighs 30 tons. A key feature is its 4-meter-long, 1,500-kilogram warhead, capable of carrying over a ton of explosives.
Propelling this ballistic missile is the modern Arvand engine, which utilizes hypergolic fuel for rapid operational readiness. A significant innovation in Khurramshahr 4 is the integration of the engine within the fuel tank, enhancing structural stability, reducing missile length, and improving the diameter-to-length ratio, all contributing to increased accuracy.
The Khayber missile travels at hypersonic speeds, reaching Mach 16 upon exiting Earth’s atmosphere and decelerating to Mach 8 upon re-entry. It covers a distance of 2,000 kilometers in 10 to 12 minutes, with its trajectory comprising initial, mid-course, and terminal phases. During the mid-course phase, the warhead separates from the booster and corrects its flight path for target engagement.
The Khayber missile is equipped with a MaRV (Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle) warhead. To deploy this potent warhead, eight auxiliary engines are utilized: four thrusters manage attitude control and initial rotation, while four others fine-tune lateral adjustments for enhanced accuracy. This design significantly boosts the missile’s maneuverability, making it difficult for enemy defense systems to intercept.
Mid-course guidance is a critical feature of Khurramshahr 4. In this phase, the warhead’s electronic guidance systems are deactivated and replaced by a mechanical system. This bolsters the missile’s resistance to enemy electronic warfare, considerably improving its survivability and penetration capabilities. The Khayber, with its low radar cross-section and thrust vector control system, can adjust its flight path, boasting an estimated circular error probable (CEP) of 30 meters, while its 1.5-ton warhead delivers substantial destructive power.
