VISUAL IDENTIFICATION PROFILES -- DRONES & UAS

Last Updated: 2026-03-28 | Next Review Due: 2026-04-28

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED // OPEN SOURCE Purpose: AI-Assisted Visual Ordnance Identification -- Drone/UAS Feature Profiles Usage: Feed to visual ID agent for photo-matching against known drone platforms

SAFETY WARNING: ALL downed drones are UXO until proven otherwise. Do NOT approach any crashed/downed drone without qualified EOD assessment. Warheads may be armed, batteries may be in thermal runaway, fuel may be leaking, and anti-handling devices may be present.

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Drone Size Comparison Chart
2. Shahed-136 / Geran-2
3. Shahed-131 / Geran-1
4. ZALA Lancet-3
5. ZALA Lancet-3M
6. KUB-BLA
7. Wing Loong I / GJ-1
8. Wing Loong II / GJ-2
9. CH-4B Rainbow
10. CH-5 Rainbow
11. CH-901 Loitering Munition
12. ASN-301 Anti-Radiation Loitering Munition
13. Mohajer-6
14. Ababil-2 / Qasef-1
15. Qasef-2K
16. Karrar
17. Arash
18. Samad-1
19. Samad-2
20. Samad-3 / Samad-4
21. Shahed-129
22. Shahed-149 Gaza
23. Shahed-171 Simorgh
24. Shahed-191 / Saegheh
25. Orlan-10
26. ZALA 421-16E
27. Kronshtadt Orion / Inokhodets
28. Forpost / Forpost-R
29. S-70 Okhotnik
30. GJ-11 Sharp Sword
31. WZ-7 Soaring Dragon
32. WZ-8 Hypersonic Recon UAV
33. WJ-700
34. CH-7 Rainbow (Stealth UCAV)
35. FH-97 Loyal Wingman
36. BZK-005
37. Blowfish A3
38. DPRK Small Reconnaissance Drones
39. DPRK D-4 / D-5 (ASN-104/105 Derivatives)
40. DPRK MALE-Type UAV
41. FPV Attack Drones -- Generic Profiles
42. Heavy-Lift Multirotor (Baba Yaga Class)
43. Fiber-Optic Guided FPV
44. Modified Commercial Drones (DJI/COTS)

---

DRONE SIZE COMPARISON CHART

Visual silhouette reference grouped by size class. Use for range estimation and initial category classification when a drone is spotted at distance or wreckage scale needs assessment.

=============================================================================
                    DRONE SIZE CLASS COMPARISON
                    (planform view, approximate scale)
=============================================================================

MICRO (< 2 kg, < 0.5m span)
─────────────────────────────
  CH-901          Eleron-3         FL-1/FL-2
  tube-launched   hand-launched    hand-launched
  ~1.2m span      ~1.5m span       ~0.5-1m span
  ┌──┐            ──┼──            ──┼──
  │  │ (in tube)  / | \            / | \
  └──┘

SMALL (2-25 kg, 0.5-3.5m span)
─────────────────────────────
  FPV 5-inch      KUB-BLA          Lancet-3         Qasef-1/Ababil-2
  ~0.3m diagonal  ~1.2m span       ~2.95m span      ~3.2m span
    X             ◇ (delta)         ╋ (cruciform)    ──┼── (twin boom)
  quadrotor       flying wing       X-tail           pusher prop

  DPRK Recon      Orlan-10         ZALA 421-16E
  ~1.9m span      ~3.1m span       ~4.4m span
  ──┼──           ──┼──            ──┼──
  foam fixed-     conventional     conventional
  wing            high-wing        ISR

MEDIUM (25-600 kg, 3-10m span)
─────────────────────────────
  Shahed-131       Shahed-136/Geran-2   Samad-2        Mohajer-6
  ~2.0m span       ~2.5m span           ~4.5m span     ~10m span
  ◁ (delta)        ◁ (delta)            ──┼──          ──┼──
  V-tail           V-tail, pusher       twin-boom      V-tail, tractor
  ~135 kg          ~200 kg              ~100 kg        ~600 kg

  Karrar           Arash                Forpost        CH-3
  ~2.8m span       ~3.5m span           ~8.5m span     ~8m span
  ──┼──            ◁ (delta)            ──┼──          ──┼──
  jet, cruciform   jet, large delta     twin-boom      pusher, V-tail
  ~470 kg          ~350 kg              ~436 kg        ~640 kg

MALE (600-5,000 kg, 10-22m span)
─────────────────────────────
  Wing Loong I     CH-4B             Wing Loong II    CH-5
  ~14m span        ~18m span         ~20.5m span      ~21m span
  ──┼──            ──┼──             ──┼──            ──┼──
  V-tail,2 pylons  inv-V-tail,       V-tail,6 pylons  inv-V-tail,
  ~1,100 kg        4 pylons          ~4,200 kg        6 pylons
                   ~1,330 kg                          ~3,300 kg

  Shahed-129       Shahed-149 Gaza   Orion            WJ-700
  ~16m span        ~21m span         ~16m span        ~16m span
  inv-V-tail       V-tail            V-tail           straight wing
  ~500 kg          ~3,000 kg         ~1,100 kg        ~3,500 kg

LARGE / HALE (> 5,000 kg, > 20m span)
─────────────────────────────
  WZ-7 Soaring Dragon    GJ-11 Sharp Sword    S-70 Okhotnik
  ~25m span              ~14m span             ~19m span
  joined-wing ◇◇         flying wing ◁         flying wing ◁
  ~7,500 kg              ~10,000 kg            ~20,000 kg

  CH-7 Rainbow           WZ-8                  Altius-RU
  ~22m span              ~6.7m span            ~28.5m span
  flying wing ◁          delta ◁, small        twin engine
  ~13,000 kg             ~3,000-5,000 kg       ~7,500 kg
                         (Mach 3+ rocket)

SPECIAL CONFIGURATION
─────────────────────────────
  Heavy-Lift Hex/Octo    Blowfish A3           Dove (Xin Ge)
  ~0.8-1.2m diagonal     helicopter UAV         bird-shaped
  6-8 rotors             single main rotor      flapping wing
  5-20 kg payload        ~58 kg                 ~0.2 kg

=============================================================================
  SIZE ESTIMATION AID:
  - Human standing = ~1.8m tall
  - Pickup truck length = ~5.5m
  - MQ-9 Reaper wingspan = 20m (comparable to Wing Loong II, CH-5)
  - Cessna 172 wingspan = 11m (comparable to Wing Loong I, Shahed-149)
=============================================================================

---

SHAHED-136 / GERAN-2

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-136
• Russian military: Geran-2
• Houthi: Wa'id
• Manufacturer: HESA / Shahed Aviation Industries (Iran); Alabuga SEZ (Russian production)
• Country: Iran (original); Russia (licensed/copied production)

Category

Loitering munition / One-Way Attack (OWA) drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: Delta wing, low aspect ratio
• Tail type: Twin canted vertical stabilizers (V-tail arrangement, angled outward)
• Fuselage: Long pointed nose tapering to cylindrical mid-body; nose houses warhead and GPS/INS guidance package
• Overall shape: Arrowhead/delta from above; distinctive triangular silhouette

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 2.5 m
• Length: 3.5 m
• Weight: ~200 kg (fueled, armed)
• Size class: Medium -- about the size of a large motorcycle

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller (2-blade)
• Engine: MADO MD-550 4-cylinder, 4-stroke piston (~50 hp)
• Visible indicators: Propeller at rear of fuselage; engine cowling/exhaust at aft section; MOGAS fuel smell from wreckage
• Russian-built variants: Engine may differ slightly in casting marks but same basic configuration

Color/Finish

• Standard Iranian: Olive drab or dark gray body; some in natural composite (tan/beige fiberglass)
• Russian Geran-2: Military green/olive; Cyrillic stenciling with serial numbers
• Houthi variants: May have Houthi slogans or markings; otherwise similar
• Wreckage appearance: Fiberglass/composite fragments; often charred from fuel fire; delta wing fragments distinctive

Payload Indicators

• Warhead: ~40-50 kg HE/fragmentation, nose-mounted; pre-fragmented steel casing on some variants
• No hardpoints -- warhead is integral; the drone IS the weapon
• No sensor turret -- GPS/INS guidance only (no terminal seeker on baseline)

Distinguishing Features

1. Delta wing with twin outward-canted vertical stabilizers -- the single most distinctive feature
2. Long pointed nose (guidance package)
3. Rear pusher propeller visible from behind
4. Launched from distinctive 5-round rack system (truck-mounted)
5. MADO MD-550 engine is a key forensic identifier -- serial numbers and casting marks
6. Fiberglass/composite body -- lightweight construction, distinctive white/tan composite fracture surfaces
7. Relatively loud engine -- troops report distinctive buzzing/lawnmower sound

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: Nose-mounted impact fuze (piezoelectric or mechanical crush). May be armed but unfunctioned after soft landing/engine failure. DO NOT APPROACH NOSE-FIRST
• Battery hazards: Onboard electronics LiPo battery -- thermal runaway risk
• Fuel hazards: 45-50 liters MOGAS (gasoline) -- highly volatile fire/explosion hazard; wreckage often burning
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: No confirmed anti-tamper on baseline; later variants may include
• Intelligence value: EXTREMELY HIGH -- Western-manufactured components (Texas Instruments MCUs, u-blox GPS, Xilinx FPGAs) recoverable for sanctions enforcement; engine serial numbers for procurement network tracing; GNSS receiver with waypoint/target data

---

SHAHED-131 / GERAN-1

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-131
• Russian military: Geran-1
• Manufacturer: HESA / Shahed Aviation Industries (Iran)

Category

Loitering munition / OWA drone (smaller variant in Shahed family)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Delta wing -- same layout as Shahed-136 but proportionally smaller
• Tail type: Twin canted vertical stabilizers (V-tail)
• Fuselage: Pointed nose, cylindrical body

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~2.0 m
• Length: ~2.5 m
• Weight: ~135 kg
• Size class: Small-medium

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller
• Engine: Smaller 2-stroke piston (~25-35 hp)
• Visible indicators: Same rear prop configuration as Shahed-136 but smaller engine

Color/Finish

• Same as Shahed-136 family

Payload Indicators

• Warhead: ~15-20 kg HE, nose-mounted
• Integral warhead -- no hardpoints

Distinguishing Features

1. Essentially a scaled-down Shahed-136
2. Key differentiator is SIZE -- measure wingspan and length
3. Smaller engine (2-stroke vs 4-stroke); different exhaust note

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Same as Shahed-136 but smaller scale
• Smaller warhead (~15-20 kg vs 40-50 kg) but still lethal
• Gasoline fuel fire hazard (smaller tank)
• Same intelligence exploitation value

---

ZALA LANCET-3

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: ZALA Lancet-3
• Internal: Izdeliye-52 / Product-52
• Manufacturer: ZALA Aero Group (Kalashnikov Concern), Izhevsk, Russia

Category

Loitering munition / Man-in-the-loop precision strike

Planform

• Wing configuration: Cruciform wings (4 wings in cross pattern) -- forward-swept canard-like configuration
• Tail type: X-tail (4 tail surfaces in X arrangement)
• Fuselage: Slender cylindrical body; camera dome on nose; electric motor at rear

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 2.95 m
• Length: ~1.2 m
• Weight: 12 kg
• Size class: Small -- person can carry it

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Electric motor with pusher propeller at rear
• Visible indicators: Small 2-blade propeller; no exhaust; distinctive high-pitched electric whine
• No fuel smell -- purely electric

Color/Finish

• Standard: Light gray or white body; some dark gray
• Field appearance: ZALA branding visible on recovered airframes
• Nose: Transparent camera dome (EO seeker visible as dark circle on nose)

Payload Indicators

• Warhead: 3-5 kg HE-fragmentation or HEAT (shaped charge), variant dependent
• Integral warhead -- the drone IS the munition
• Camera dome on nose -- visible as protruding transparent or dark dome

Distinguishing Features

1. Cruciform wing + X-tail -- the most distinctive feature; no other common drone uses this combination
2. Camera dome on nose tip -- visible dark sphere/dome
3. Very slender, elegant proportions
4. Electric propulsion -- no exhaust, no fuel
5. Small size (arm-span wingspan)
6. High-pitched electric motor whine (acoustic signature reported by troops)
7. Typically operates in pair with ZALA 421-16E ISR drone

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: Impact fuze (piezoelectric trigger). Dud warheads documented -- may be armed and sensitive to movement. Some variants have grazing-angle fuzing for top-attack
• Battery hazards: LiPo battery packs -- thermal runaway risk if damaged; do not puncture or short-circuit
• Fuel hazards: NONE -- purely electric
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: No confirmed anti-handling devices, BUT impact fuze may be armed and sensitive to any movement/vibration
• Intelligence value: VERY HIGH -- AI/autonomous targeting technology on Lancet-3M variant; camera, seeker, and flight controller contain operational data

---

ZALA LANCET-3M

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Lancet-3M
• Internal: Izdeliye-52M

Category

Improved loitering munition with AI-assisted targeting

Planform

Externally near-identical to Lancet-3

Dimensions

• Weight: 12-15 kg (slightly heavier than Lancet-3)
• Warhead: 5-7 kg (larger than baseline Lancet-3)

Distinguishing Features (vs Lancet-3)

1. Additional sensor apertures on nose (look for extra optical windows)
2. Updated circuit boards visible if airframe is opened
3. May have improved/different antenna configuration
4. Functionally similar in appearance -- field distinction is difficult without close inspection

CRITICAL EOD WARNING

• AI autonomy means a downed Lancet-3M may still be "seeking" -- if seeker/guidance is intact and battery has charge, the system may attempt to re-engage if disturbed
• Treat with EXTREME caution; the onboard AI can maintain target lock autonomously

EOD Hazards

Same as Lancet-3, with the added concern of autonomous re-engagement capability

---

KUB-BLA

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: KUB-BLA / KUB-UAV
• Manufacturer: ZALA Aero Group / Kalashnikov Concern

Category

Loitering munition

Planform

• Wing configuration: Flying wing / delta planform -- no separate wing and body
• Tail type: NO TAIL -- pure flying wing
• Fuselage: Blended into wing; the entire airframe is a single delta shape

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~1.2 m
• Weight: ~3 kg (entire drone is the munition)
• Warhead: ~3 kg HE-fragmentation (integral)
• Size class: Very small -- can be held in two hands

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Electric pusher motor at rear center of delta
• Visible indicators: Single small propeller at trailing edge center

Color/Finish

• Dark gray or matte black

Distinguishing Features

1. Pure delta/flying wing with NO vertical surfaces
2. Very small -- can be mistaken for commercial drone debris
3. Entire airframe IS the munition -- there is no "safe" part

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• ENTIRE AIRFRAME IS THE MUNITION -- there is no safe approach angle
• Same battery/fuze hazards as Lancet
• Small size means it can be overlooked or mistaken for debris

---

WING LOONG I / GJ-1

Designation and Aliases

• PLA designation: GJ-1 (Gong Ji-1, Attack-1)
• Export names: Wing Loong I, Pterodactyl I, Yi Long
• Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) / AVIC
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

MALE Armed ISR UCAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Straight high-aspect-ratio wing, high-mounted
• Tail type: V-tail (inverted-V in some descriptions)
• Fuselage: Long, slender, cylindrical fuselage with ventral sensor turret under nose
• Overall shape: Very similar to US MQ-1 Predator but with V-tail instead of inverted-V

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 14.0 m (45.9 ft)
• Length: 9.05 m (29.7 ft)
• MTOW: 1,100 kg
• Size class: MALE -- about the size of a Cessna 172

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller (2 or 3 blade)
• Engine: Rotax 914 piston engine (115 hp)
• Visible indicators: Propeller at rear; no jet exhaust; piston engine exhaust on sides/rear

Color/Finish

• PLA service: Medium gray or light gray
• Export: Customer-dependent markings; UAE, Saudi, Egyptian air force markings documented
• Internal: CAIG/AVIC logos and Chinese serial numbers on internal components

Payload Indicators

• Underwing hardpoints: 2 pylons (1 per wing)
• Sensor turret: Nose-mounted EO/IR ball turret with laser designator (ventral, prominent)
• Weapons: BA-7 ATGM, AR-1 SALH missile, FT-7/FT-9 guided bombs

Distinguishing Features

1. V-tail -- distinguishes from MQ-1 Predator (inverted-V)
2. Long slender fuselage with prominent ventral sensor turret
3. Only 2 underwing pylons (vs 6 on Wing Loong II)
4. Piston engine pusher prop (smaller prop than WL-II)
5. Retractable tricycle landing gear
6. Smaller overall size than Wing Loong II

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: BA-7/AR-1 missiles may be live on pylons; semi-active laser seekers (no RF hazard when unpowered)
• Battery hazards: Avionics battery; LiPo
• Fuel hazards: AvGas/MOGAS (Rotax 914 fuel)
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: None documented
• Intelligence value: HIGH -- composite airframe, AVIC markings, Chinese-language technical labels; sensor turret optics; weapons; flight data recorder

---

WING LOONG II / GJ-2

Designation and Aliases

• PLA designation: GJ-2 (Gong Ji-2, Attack-2)
• Export names: Wing Loong II, Pterodactyl II
• Manufacturer: CAIG / AVIC
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

MALE Armed ISR UCAV (MQ-9 Reaper class)

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-aspect-ratio straight wing, high-mounted
• Tail type: V-tail (larger than WL-I)
• Fuselage: Long, slender; larger dorsal SATCOM radome (distinctive bulge on top)
• Overall shape: Scaled-up Wing Loong I; resembles MQ-9 Reaper

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 20.5 m (67.3 ft)
• Length: 11.0 m (36.1 ft)
• MTOW: 4,200 kg
• Size class: Large MALE -- similar to MQ-9 Reaper

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller (large, 3-blade typical)
• Engine: Turboprop (~700 hp)
• Visible indicators: Larger propeller than WL-I; turboprop exhaust (louder, different note than piston); visible exhaust staining

Color/Finish

• Standard: Light gray or medium gray
• Export: Various operator markings
• Wreckage documentation: AVIC logos, Chinese-language markings, and serial numbers on recovered wreckage from Libya

Payload Indicators

• Underwing hardpoints: 6 pylons (3 per wing) -- prominent, visible from below
• Sensor turret: Large nose-mounted EO/IR/laser turret (ventral)
• Dorsal SATCOM dome: Prominent satellite communications radome on top of fuselage behind wing
• Weapons: BA-7, AR-1/AR-2, FT-7/FT-9/FT-12 guided bombs, LS-6-50, HJ-10AE ATGM
• Max weapons load: 12 weapons simultaneously

Distinguishing Features

1. 6 underwing pylons (3 per wing) -- visible from front/rear/below; key vs WL-I (2 pylons)
2. Dorsal SATCOM radome -- prominent bulge on top of fuselage
3. Turboprop engine (louder than WL-I piston)
4. V-tail configuration (same concept as WL-I but larger)
5. Very large for a propeller drone -- 20.5m span approaches light aircraft size
6. Retractable tricycle landing gear

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: UP TO 6 LIVE WEAPONS on pylons. BA-7 missiles have tandem HEAT warheads. FT-series bombs have GPS/INS fuzes with S&A mechanisms
• Battery hazards: Multiple battery systems
• Fuel hazards: Up to 1,000 kg Jet-A/JP-8 fuel (turboprop)
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: None documented
• Intelligence value: VERY HIGH -- extensive forensic data available from Libya wreckage; AVIC logos, Chinese serial numbers, weapons integration hardware

---

CH-4B RAINBOW

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: CH-4B (Cai Hong-4B, Rainbow-4B)
• ISR variant: CH-4A (unarmed)
• Manufacturer: CASC / CAAA (11th Academy)
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

MALE Armed UCAV -- most widely exported Chinese armed drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-mounted straight wing
• Tail type: Inverted V-tail -- KEY DISTINGUISHER from Wing Loong family (which uses V-tail)
• Fuselage: Similar to MQ-1 Predator; ventral sensor turret
• Overall shape: Predator-like but with inverted-V tail

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 18.0 m (59 ft)
• Length: 8.5 m (27.9 ft)
• MTOW: 1,330 kg
• Size class: MALE

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller
• Engine: Piston engine (rear pusher)
• Visible indicators: Propeller at rear; piston engine exhaust

Color/Finish

• Light gray or tan/desert (depending on operator)
• CASC markings on internal components

Payload Indicators

• Underwing hardpoints: 4 pylons (2 per wing)
• Sensor turret: Ventral EO/IR ball turret with laser designator
• Weapons: AR-1 SALH missile, BA-7, FT-5/FT-7 guided bombs, HJ-10E ATGM

Distinguishing Features

1. Inverted V-tail -- tail surfaces angle DOWNWARD; distinguishes from Wing Loong (V up) and Predator (inverted-V, similar but different proportions)
2. 4 underwing pylons (vs 2 on WL-I, 6 on WL-II)
3. High-mounted straight wing
4. Piston engine (like WL-I, unlike WL-II turboprop)
5. Similar size to Wing Loong I but different tail

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: Up to 4 weapons on pylons. AR-1 missile duds documented in Iraq. Shaped-charge warheads with impact fuze
• Battery hazards: Avionics LiPo
• Fuel hazards: AvGas/MOGAS, ~300 liters
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: None documented
• Intelligence value: HIGH -- most widely exported Chinese armed drone; AR-1 UXO well-documented from Iraqi operations

---

CH-5 RAINBOW

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: CH-5 (Cai Hong-5, Rainbow-5)
• Manufacturer: CASC / CAAA
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

Heavy MALE Armed/ISR UCAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-mounted straight wing
• Tail type: Inverted V-tail (same family as CH-4B)
• Fuselage: Larger version of CH-4 layout; dorsal SATCOM dome

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 21.0 m (68.9 ft)
• Length: 11.0 m (36.1 ft)
• MTOW: 3,300 kg
• Size class: Large MALE -- comparable to MQ-9 Reaper

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Rear-mounted pusher propeller
• Engine: Heavy-fuel piston engine (330 hp) -- heavier and louder than CH-4
• Visible indicators: Large propeller; piston engine (not turboprop despite similar size to WL-II)

Payload Indicators

• Underwing hardpoints: 6 pylons (3 per wing)
• Weapons load: Up to 1,000 kg / 16 weapons -- heaviest of any Chinese export drone
• Sensor turret: EO/IR, SAR, maritime search radar

Distinguishing Features

1. Largest CH-series drone; 6 pylons
2. Inverted V-tail (CH-family identifier)
3. Piston pusher prop despite large size (unlike WL-II turboprop)
4. Dorsal SATCOM dome

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Same hazard profile as Wing Loong II but with piston engine fuel (MOGAS vs JP)
• Up to 1,000 kg of ordnance on pylons
• Largest weapons load of any Chinese export drone

---

CH-901 LOITERING MUNITION

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: CH-901
• Manufacturer: CASC / CAAA
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

Man-portable tube-launched loitering munition

Planform

• Wing configuration: Folding wings (deploy after tube launch); straight/slightly swept when deployed
• Tail type: Folding cruciform tail fins
• Fuselage: Cylindrical (fits in launch tube); ~120mm diameter

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~1.2 m (deployed)
• Weight: 9 kg total
• Warhead: 3.5 kg (shaped charge or fragmentation)
• Size class: Micro/man-portable -- fits in a backpack-carried launch tube

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Electric motor, pusher propeller
• Visible indicators: Very small propeller; silent/near-silent electric motor

Color/Finish

• Olive drab or dark gray (military)
• Cylindrical tube launcher is distinctive

Payload Indicators

• Warhead: 3.5 kg HEAT or fragmentation (integral)
• Camera: EO seeker in nose for terminal guidance

Distinguishing Features

1. Very small -- man-portable; could be mistaken for a model aircraft
2. Tube-launched (distinctive cylindrical launch canister)
3. Folding wings deploy after exit from tube
4. Can be deployed in swarms from 48-tube vehicle launchers
5. Electric propulsion -- nearly silent

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Shaped charge or fragmentation warhead -- armed and lethal
• LiPo battery fire risk
• Very small -- easily overlooked on battlefield
• May be found in groups (swarm deployment produces multiple UXO if some fail)
• Launch tube may contain residual propellant charge

---

ASN-301 ANTI-RADIATION LOITERING MUNITION

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: ASN-301
• Origin: Based on Israeli IAI Harpy (1994 sale/license)
• Manufacturer: Xi'an ASN Technology / AVIC
• Country: China (PRC)

Category

Anti-radiation loitering munition (SEAD/DEAD)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Delta/swept wing (Harpy-derived)
• Tail type: Delta/cruciform control surfaces
• Fuselage: Cylindrical with nose-mounted passive radar seeker antenna

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 2.7 m
• Length: 2.7 m
• Weight: 135 kg
• Warhead: 20-30 kg blast-fragmentation
• Size class: Small-medium

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Small turbojet engine
• Visible indicators: Jet exhaust at rear; no propeller; air intake visible

Distinguishing Features

1. Delta wing with jet propulsion -- smaller and faster than Shahed-136
2. Passive radar seeker antenna in nose (distinctive antenna array vs GPS guidance package)
3. Launched from truck-mounted canisters (18 per launcher vehicle)
4. Very similar to Israeli IAI Harpy in appearance

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• 20-30 kg blast-fragmentation warhead
• Turbojet engine with kerosene/JP fuel
• Passive radar seeker -- homes on radar emissions; if still active, approaching with active radio/radar equipment could theoretically attract it
• Launch canisters contain propellant booster charges
• Mass employment (18+ per launcher) creates mass UXO events

---

MOHAJER-6

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Mohajer-6
• Export names: Mohajer-6 UCAV
• Manufacturer: Qods Aviation Industries (Iran)

Category

MALE Armed ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-wing monoplane
• Tail type: Inverted V-tail
• Fuselage: Conventional with nose-mounted EO/IR turret; tractor propeller at FRONT
• Landing gear: Tricycle retractable

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~10 m
• Length: ~5.6 m
• MTOW: ~600 kg
• Size class: Medium MALE

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: TRACTOR propeller at FRONT of fuselage -- KEY DISTINGUISHER
• Engine: Rotax 912/914 type piston (~100-115 hp)
• Visible indicators: Propeller at nose; engine cowling at front; AVGAS/MOGAS fuel

Color/Finish

• Light gray, white, or desert tan depending on operator
• Iranian military markings; Rotax engine provides forensic traceability

Payload Indicators

• Underwing hardpoints: 2 pylons
• Sensor turret: EO/IR stabilized turret (prominent, ventral)
• Weapons: Qaem-1 (TV-guided, ~20 kg), Qaem-5 (IR-guided, ~25 kg), Qaem-9 (semi-active laser, ~30 kg); all small glide/drop PGMs

Distinguishing Features

1. TRACTOR propeller (front-mounted) -- most Chinese/US MALE drones use PUSHER (rear). This is the single best visual discriminator
2. Inverted V-tail
3. High-wing with clean, straight planform
4. Retractable tricycle gear
5. Moderate size (~10m span) -- smaller than Wing Loong or CH-4

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards at Crash/Wreckage

• Warhead status: Qaem-series PGMs on pylons may be armed; terminal seekers (TV, IR, laser) may still be active (battery-powered)
• Battery hazards: LiPo for avionics and seeker heads
• Fuel hazards: AVGAS/MOGAS (Rotax engine)
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: Not confirmed but possible
• Intelligence value: HIGH -- Rotax engine serial numbers; Iranian avionics; Qaem munitions; sensor optics

---

ABABIL-2 / QASEF-1

Designation and Aliases

• Ababil-2: Iranian military designation (multiple sub-variants)
• Qasef-1: Houthi/Ansar Allah designation for Ababil derivative assembled in Yemen
• Manufacturer: IAIO (Iran) / Yemeni assembly from Iranian kits

Category

Small tactical UAV / loitering munition (dual-role: ISR variant or OWA attack variant)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Mid-wing monoplane
• Tail type: Twin-boom tail or cruciform tail (variant dependent)
• Fuselage: Slender cylindrical; pusher propeller at rear
• Overall shape: Conventional small UAV with twin booms

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~3.0-3.25 m
• Length: ~2.7-2.9 m
• MTOW: ~80-85 kg
• Size class: Small

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Pusher propeller at rear
• Engine: Small 2-stroke piston (~15-25 hp)
• Visible indicators: Small prop at rear; lightweight construction

Color/Finish

• Military green or gray; some recovered examples show light blue undersides
• Houthi Qasef variants may have Houthi markings/slogans

Payload Indicators

• Attack variant: ~30-40 kg HE/fragmentation warhead (INTEGRAL -- entire airframe is the munition); pre-formed fragmentation in some recovered examples
• ISR variant: Camera payload (recoverable via parachute)
• No underwing hardpoints -- warhead is body-integral for attack variant

Distinguishing Features

1. Twin-boom tail configuration -- distinctive and different from delta-wing Shaheds
2. Small size (~3m span, ~80 kg)
3. Catapult/rocket-assisted launch from truck-mounted rail (launch rail equipment may be found at launch sites)
4. Attack variant: entire airframe IS the munition
5. ISR variant has parachute recovery system

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Attack variant: ENTIRE AIRFRAME IS THE MUNITION -- nose-mounted impact fuze
• Battery hazards: LiPo for avionics
• Fuel hazards: Small piston engine fuel (gasoline)
• Anti-handling/self-destruct: Not confirmed
• Intelligence value: HIGH -- UN Panel of Experts has extensively analyzed debris; Iranian component origin confirmed through engine parts, guidance boards, structural components

---

QASEF-2K

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Qasef-2K
• Origin: Improved Qasef-1; Iranian design/components, Yemeni assembly

Category

Improved OWA-UAV

Planform

Same as Qasef-1 / Ababil-2 with minor airframe improvements

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~3.3-3.5 m (slightly larger than Qasef-1)
• Length: ~2.9-3.0 m
• MTOW: ~85-95 kg
• Warhead: ~30-40 kg HE/fragmentation

Distinguishing Features

1. Slightly larger than Qasef-1 -- difficult to distinguish in the field
2. Reportedly improved guidance accuracy (may have crude EO terminal guidance)
3. Same twin-boom configuration as Qasef-1

EOD Hazards

Same as Qasef-1/Ababil-2

---

KARRAR

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Karrar
• Manufacturer: IAIO (Iran)

Category

Jet-powered target drone / OWA-UAV / cruise missile-type strike drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: Mid-mounted swept wings
• Tail type: Cruciform tail fins
• Fuselage: Cylindrical; resembles a small cruise missile
• Air intake: Ventral turbojet intake -- visible from below/front

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~2.8 m
• Length: ~4.0 m
• Diameter: ~0.5 m
• MTOW: ~470 kg
• Warhead: ~120 kg HE or submunition dispenser
• Size class: Medium

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Turbojet (Toloue-4 micro-turbojet, ~1.3-1.7 kN)
• Visible indicators: Ventral air intake; jet exhaust at rear; no propeller; JP fuel
• Speed: High subsonic (~900 km/h, Mach 0.75+) -- MUCH faster than prop drones

Color/Finish

• Iranian military paint (gray, green, or desert scheme)

Payload Indicators

• Warhead: ~120 kg (large for a drone); HE, submunition dispenser, or anti-radiation variant
• No underwing hardpoints -- integral warhead for OWA role
• Anti-radiation variant has passive radar seeker in nose

Distinguishing Features

1. JET PROPULSION with ventral intake -- looks like a small cruise missile, not a drone
2. Cruciform tail fins
3. Mid-mounted swept wings (unlike delta of Shahed)
4. High speed (Mach 0.75) -- much faster than any propeller drone
5. Cylindrical "missile-like" fuselage
6. Large warhead (120 kg) -- significant compared to Shahed's 40-50 kg
7. Rocket-assisted launch from truck rail

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Warhead: 120 kg HE -- LARGE warhead; significant blast radius
• Fuel: JP kerosene jet fuel fire/explosion hazard
• Engine: Turbojet may remain hot for extended period post-crash
• Submunition variant: May scatter unexploded bomblets around crash site
• Anti-radiation variant: Passive RF seeker components; RF emission during approach may affect behavior
• High-speed impact: Creates larger debris field than slow prop drones

---

ARASH

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Arash
• Manufacturer: Iranian defense industry (HESA or IAIO assessed)

Category

Large OWA-UAV / loitering munition

Planform

• Wing configuration: Delta wing -- similar to Shahed-136 but LARGER
• Tail type: Twin vertical stabilizers
• Fuselage: Cylindrical with ventral air intake (JET -- unlike Shahed's propeller)

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~3.5-4.0 m
• Length: ~4.0-4.5 m
• MTOW: ~350-400 kg
• Warhead: >50 kg, possibly up to 100 kg HE
• Size class: Medium-large

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Small turbojet or pulsejet -- visible air intake on underside
• Speed: ~300-500 km/h (faster than Shahed-136 due to jet)
• No propeller -- jet propulsion

Distinguishing Features

1. Delta wing like Shahed-136 BUT larger and with JET intake (no propeller)
2. Visible ventral air intake distinguishes from propeller-driven Shahed
3. Larger than Shahed-136 (~4.5m vs 3.5m length)
4. Heavier warhead (>50 kg vs 40-50 kg)

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Larger warhead than Shahed-136; greater blast radius
• JP fuel hazard (jet fuel, not gasoline)
• Jet engine components may be hot post-crash
• Same approach precautions as Shahed: do NOT approach nose-first

---

SAMAD-1

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Samad-1
• Origin: Iranian design, Yemeni (Houthi) assembly

Category

ISR UAV with limited OWA strike capability

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-wing monoplane
• Tail type: Twin-boom tail
• Fuselage: Slender with pusher propeller

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~4.5 m
• Length: ~2.5 m
• MTOW: ~60-70 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Small piston engine, pusher propeller

Payload Indicators

• Camera for ISR; can be fitted with ~5-10 kg warhead for kamikaze role

Distinguishing Features

1. Twin-boom tail configuration (like Ababil family)
2. High-wing design
3. Moderate size (~4.5m span)
4. Houthi-specific markings

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Small warhead if attack-configured (5-10 kg)
• Battery and fuel hazards
• Camera may contain intelligence (ISR imagery)

---

SAMAD-2

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Samad-2
• Origin: Iranian design, Yemeni (Houthi) assembly

Category

OWA-UAV / Long-range kamikaze drone

Planform

• Same twin-boom configuration as Samad-1 but larger

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~4.5-5.0 m
• Length: ~2.8 m
• MTOW: ~100-120 kg
• Warhead: ~18-30 kg HE/fragmentation

Distinguishing Features

1. Larger than Samad-1 with extended-range fuel capacity
2. Used in high-profile attacks (Saudi Aramco Abqaiq/Khurais 2019; Abu Dhabi airport 2018)
3. Range: 800-1,500 km -- capable of reaching deep Saudi/UAE targets

EOD Hazards

• Impact-fuzed warhead -- UXO on guidance failure
• Fuel fire hazard
• Debris extensively analyzed by Saudi/UAE/US forces

---

SAMAD-3 / SAMAD-4

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Samad-3, Samad-4
• Origin: Iranian design, Houthi operation

Category

Extended-range OWA-UAV

Dimensions

• Samad-3: Range ~1,500-1,800 km; warhead ~30-40 kg
• Samad-4: Range ~2,000+ km (Israel-range); warhead >30 kg; may incorporate jet propulsion

Distinguishing Features

• Progressively larger Samad variants
• Samad-4 may have jet propulsion (different from piston-driven earlier variants)

EOD Hazards

• Same as Samad-2 but potentially larger warhead
• If jet-powered: JP fuel hazard in addition to warhead

---

SHAHED-129

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-129
• Manufacturer: Shahed Aviation Industries (Iran)

Category

MALE Armed ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Conventional fixed-wing, high aspect ratio
• Tail type: Inverted V-tail
• Fuselage: Conventional with nose-mounted sensor turret; TRACTOR propeller (front)

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~16 m
• Length: ~8 m
• MTOW: ~400-500 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Tractor propeller at FRONT
• Engine: Rotax 914 or Iranian copy (~115 hp)

Payload Indicators

• EO/IR sensor turret
• Up to 8 Sadid-1 PGMs on hardpoints

Distinguishing Features

1. Large Iranian MALE drone (~16m span)
2. Tractor propeller (front-mounted, like Mohajer-6)
3. Inverted V-tail
4. Retractable landing gear
5. Up to 8 weapons on hardpoints

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Sadid-1 PGMs may be intact and armed on hardpoints (~8-10 kg each, laser/GPS guided)
• AVGAS/MOGAS fuel
• Larger airframe with significant debris field

---

SHAHED-149 GAZA

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-149 "Gaza"
• Manufacturer: Shahed Aviation Industries / HESA (Iran)

Category

MALE UCAV -- Iran's most advanced disclosed MALE drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-wing conventional
• Tail type: V-tail
• Fuselage: Large, resembles MQ-9 Reaper externally; retractable tricycle gear

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~21 m
• Length: ~11-12 m
• MTOW: ~3,000 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Turboprop engine (type unconfirmed)

Payload Indicators

• Multiple hardpoints for Sadid, Qaem, Balaban glide bombs, Almas ATGM
• Claimed capacity: 13 bombs
• ~500 kg payload (internal + external)

Distinguishing Features

1. Very large -- MQ-9 Reaper size class
2. V-tail (like Wing Loong family)
3. Turboprop
4. Iranian markings

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Multiple potential ordnance items; turboprop JP fuel; large airframe
• SATCOM antenna and avionics of high intelligence value

---

SHAHED-171 SIMORGH

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-171 "Simorgh"
• Origin: Reverse-engineered from captured US RQ-170 Sentinel (December 2011)
• Manufacturer: HESA / Shahed Aviation Industries (Iran)

Category

Stealth ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Flying wing / blended wing-body; cranked kite planform
• Tail type: NO TAIL -- flying wing
• Fuselage: Blended into wing; smooth low-observable shaping

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~7-8 m (smaller than RQ-170's ~20m)
• Length: ~4.5 m
• Size class: Reduced-scale RQ-170 (~60-75% size)

Propulsion (Visible)

• Small turbojet (type unknown); intake on upper surface (like RQ-170)

Color/Finish

• Gray or charcoal; low-observable finish

Distinguishing Features

1. Flying wing shape -- resembles US RQ-170 Sentinel but SMALLER
2. No tail surfaces
3. Smooth, blended body-wing shape
4. Iranian markings (if visible)

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Stealth coatings/RAM may contain hazardous materials
• Jet fuel hazard
• Intelligence value EXTREMELY HIGH

---

SHAHED-191 / SAEGHEH

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Shahed-191
• Also: "Kaman" or "Saegheh" in some sources
• Manufacturer: HESA / Shahed Aviation Industries (Iran)

Category

Stealth UCAV / Armed ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Low-observable flying wing with blended fuselage
• Tail type: V-tail (unlike pure tailless Shahed-171)
• Internal weapons bay (claimed)

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~7-8 m
• Length: ~5-6 m

Distinguishing Features

1. Flying wing with V-tail -- distinguishes from tailless Shahed-171
2. Internal/semi-recessed weapons bay
3. Designed for armed missions (unlike ISR-only Shahed-171)

EOD Hazards

• Potential internal weapons bay with armed PGMs
• Stealth materials potentially hazardous
• Very high intelligence value

---

ORLAN-10

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Orlan-10
• Manufacturer: Special Technology Center (STC), St. Petersburg, Russia

Category

Tactical ISR reconnaissance UAS -- THE most common Russian military drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: Conventional high-wing monoplane
• Tail type: Conventional tail (single vertical stabilizer + horizontal stabilizer)
• Fuselage: Distinctive tubular/cylindrical fuselage

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 3.1 m
• Length: 1.8 m
• MTOW: 16.5 kg
• Size class: Small tactical

Propulsion (Visible)

• Type: Tractor propeller at FRONT
• Engine: Saito FG-36 (Japanese commercial model aircraft engine) or Chinese clones; 36cc gasoline
• Fuel: Gasoline (~2.5 liters)

Color/Finish

• Olive drab, gray, or light colors; "STC" markings on some airframes
• Bright orange parachute (recovery system -- very visible)
• Canon consumer camera visible through belly aperture

Payload Indicators

• No weapons (ISR-only platform normally)
• Consumer camera (Canon EOS series) visible through belly
• Modular payload bay (5 kg capacity) -- EO/IR, EW, ELINT, CBRN

Distinguishing Features

1. Tubular fuselage -- very distinctive cylindrical shape
2. Consumer Canon camera visible through belly window
3. Bright orange parachute recovery system (often found with parachute)
4. High-wing with conventional tail
5. Japanese/Chinese model aircraft engine (Saito)
6. Propeller at front (tractor configuration)
7. Very common -- thousands deployed; most likely Russian drone to encounter

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Generally LOW explosive hazard -- ISR platform, no warhead
• Fuel: 2.5 liters gasoline -- fire hazard
• Battery: LiPo for electronics -- thermal runaway
• DO NOT DESTROY without intelligence exploitation if situation permits -- Western components for sanctions enforcement
• Parachute recovery: Intact units under parachutes may still have active electronics (transmitting location)
• Intelligence value: EXTREMELY HIGH -- Canon cameras with imagery, GPS logs, Western/Japanese commercial components

---

ZALA 421-16E

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: ZALA 421-16E / 421-16E2
• Manufacturer: ZALA Aero Group / Kalashnikov Concern
• Role: Paired ISR platform for Lancet loitering munitions ("the eyes of Lancet")

Category

Tactical ISR UAS

Planform

• Wing configuration: Conventional high-wing
• Tail type: Conventional
• Fuselage: Slender, conventional

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~4.4 m
• Length: ~2.3 m
• Weight: ~19-25 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Electric motor -- silent/near-silent; no exhaust

Payload Indicators

• EO/IR camera, datalink relay for Lancet system
• No weapons

Distinguishing Features

1. Usually found near Lancet operations
2. Electric (no engine noise, no fuel smell)
3. Larger than Orlan-10 (4.4m vs 3.1m span)
4. ZALA branding and serial numbers

EOD Hazards

• No warhead -- ISR only
• Large LiPo battery packs -- fire/thermal runaway hazard
• Intelligence value: may contain video recordings of Lancet strikes, target coordinates

---

KRONSHTADT ORION / INOKHODETS

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Kronshtadt Orion / Inokhodets
• Formerly: Pacer
• Manufacturer: Kronshtadt Group, St. Petersburg, Russia

Category

MALE ISR/Strike UAS -- Russia's MQ-1/MQ-9 equivalent

Planform

• Wing configuration: High aspect ratio straight wing
• Tail type: V-tail
• Fuselage: Conventional; weapon pylons visible under wings

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 16 m
• Length: 8 m
• MTOW: 1,000-1,100 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Piston engine (~120 hp); rear pusher propeller
• Gasoline/AVGAS fuel

Payload Indicators

• 6 external weapon pylons (3 per wing)
• Guided bombs (KAB-20, KAB-50 class; 25-50 kg)
• Light ATGMs (reported)

Distinguishing Features

1. V-tail (like Wing Loong family)
2. High aspect ratio wing with visible weapon pylons
3. Pusher prop at rear
4. Russian markings; Kronshtadt branding

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Unexpended munitions on pylons (primary concern)
• Gasoline fuel fire hazard
• Composite airframe debris
• Very high intelligence value

---

FORPOST / FORPOST-R

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Forpost (Israeli Searcher Mk.II copy); Forpost-R (Russian-produced variant)
• Original design: IAI Searcher Mk.II (Israel)
• Manufacturer: UZGA, Yekaterinburg (license production)

Category

Tactical MALE ISR / Light Strike UAS

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-wing straight
• Tail type: TWIN-BOOM tail -- KEY IDENTIFIER
• Fuselage: Conventional with twin booms extending aft to tail

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 8.55 m
• Length: 5.85 m
• MTOW: ~436 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Pusher propeller at rear (between twin booms)
• Gasoline piston engine

Distinguishing Features

1. TWIN-BOOM TAIL -- the single most distinctive feature; different from V-tail or conventional tail drones
2. Israeli Searcher Mk.II lineage (same basic shape)
3. Pusher prop between booms
4. Medium size (~8.5m span)

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Forpost-R may carry light PGMs on pylons
• Gasoline fuel fire hazard
• Intelligence value for sensors, datalink, mission computer

---

S-70 OKHOTNIK

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B); Sukhoi S-70
• Manufacturer: Sukhoi / United Aircraft Corporation, Russia
• Status: Developmental -- NOT in mass service

Category

Heavy stealth UCAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Flying wing -- tailless, blended body-wing
• Tail type: NO TAIL
• Fuselage: Blended into wing; stealth planform; internal weapons bay

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~19 m
• Length: ~14 m
• MTOW: ~20,000 kg
• Size class: VERY LARGE -- fighter-sized

Propulsion (Visible)

• Single turbofan (AL-31F family); jet exhaust at rear
• S-shaped inlet for radar shielding on some variants

Color/Finish

• Dark gray/charcoal; stealth finish; minimal markings

Distinguishing Features

1. VERY LARGE flying wing -- 19m span, 20,000 kg
2. No tail surfaces
3. Stealth shaping with blended body-wing
4. Single jet engine exhaust
5. Internal weapons bay (no external pylons visible)
6. Fighter-sized -- much larger than other stealth drones

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Extremely unlikely encounter currently (2-5 flight articles only)
• If encountered: very large airframe; jet fuel; potential weapons in internal bay
• Stealth coatings/RAM hazardous materials
• NOTIFY NATIONAL-LEVEL INTELLIGENCE IMMEDIATELY -- highest priority exploitation

---

GJ-11 SHARP SWORD

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: GJ-11 (Gong Ji-11, Attack-11)
• Also: Li Jian (Sharp Sword)
• Manufacturer: Hongdu Aviation / AVIC, China

Category

Stealth UCAV -- PLA's premier operational stealth drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: Flying wing -- tailless, cranked kite planform
• Tail type: NO TAIL
• Fuselage: Blended into wing; S-shaped inlet for radar shielding

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 14.0 m
• Length: 10.0 m
• MTOW: ~10,000 kg
• Size class: Large -- fighter-sized

Propulsion (Visible)

• Single turbofan; S-shaped inlet visible from front/below

Color/Finish

• Light gray; military finish; radar-absorbing coatings

Payload Indicators

• INTERNAL weapons bays (no external pylons visible)
• PGMs (LS-6, FT-series), air-to-ground missiles, anti-radiation missiles

Distinguishing Features

1. Flying wing with no tail -- clean stealth shape
2. S-shaped inlet (flush or semi-flush with body)
3. No external weapons (internal bays)
4. 14m wingspan; substantial aircraft
5. Full stealth planform alignment and RAM coatings

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• INTERNAL WEAPONS BAYS -- live ordnance may be trapped inside wreckage
• Stealth materials: RAM coatings may contain hazardous compounds (carbonyl iron, ferrite, conductive polymers)
• Jet fuel: Large internal fuel load (~3,000-4,000 kg JP)
• Intelligence value: EXTREMELY HIGH -- top-priority intelligence find
• Autonomous systems: May contain AI/autonomous flight hardware that continues operating post-crash

---

WZ-7 SOARING DRAGON

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: WZ-7 (Wu Zhen-7)
• Also: Xiang Long (Soaring Dragon)
• Manufacturer: Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation / AVIC, China

Category

High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: JOINED-WING / DIAMOND-WING -- UNIQUE PLANFORM; rear wing connects to tips of forward wing forming box structure
• Tail type: Integrated into joined-wing (no conventional tail)
• Fuselage: Slender, conventional centerline body

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 25 m (82 ft)
• Length: 14.3 m (47 ft)
• MTOW: 7,500 kg
• Size class: HALE -- very large aircraft

Propulsion (Visible)

• Single turbofan engine; jet exhaust at rear

Distinguishing Features

1. JOINED-WING / DIAMOND PLANFORM -- VISUALLY UNMISTAKABLE; no other operational UAV uses this configuration
2. The rear wing connects to the tips of the forward wing, forming a closed diamond/box structure when viewed from above
3. Very large (25m span, 7,500 kg)
4. High-altitude operation (18,000 m / 59,000 ft)

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Large jet fuel load (kerosene-type) -- fire/explosion
• Composite airframe produces toxic particulates when burned
• No weapons, but sensors may contain radioactive IR detector elements
• High-value intelligence platform

---

WZ-8 HYPERSONIC RECON UAV

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: WZ-8 (Wu Zhen-8)
• Manufacturer: BUAA / AVIC, China

Category

High-speed / Hypersonic reconnaissance UAV (air-launched)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Delta wing
• Tail type: Twin vertical stabilizers
• Fuselage: Sleek, aerodynamic; designed for Mach 3-5+ flight

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~6.7 m
• Length: ~11 m
• MTOW: ~3,000-5,000 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Liquid-fueled rocket motor(s)
• Air-launched from H-6N bomber belly pylon

Color/Finish

• White or light gray; heat-resistant materials/ablative coatings

Distinguishing Features

1. Delta wing + twin verticals -- sleek hypersonic shape
2. Rocket-powered (not jet or prop)
3. Landing gear (retractable) -- designed to return and land
4. Air-launched from H-6N bomber (may be found on bomber pylon if mothership crashes)

EOD Hazards -- CRITICAL

• LIQUID ROCKET PROPELLANT: Likely hypergolic (UDMH/NTO) -- EXTREMELY TOXIC
• TREAT AS HAZMAT INCIDENT FIRST
• High-speed crash produces catastrophic fragmentation over wide area
• Exotic materials (titanium, ceramics, ablative heat shielding)
• Residual rocket propellant even in expended motors

---

WJ-700

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: WJ-700 (Wu Jian-700)
• Manufacturer: CASIC (3rd Academy), China

Category

High-speed MALE armed reconnaissance UAV with maritime strike capability

Planform

• Wing configuration: Straight high-aspect-ratio wing
• Tail type: Conventional (reported)
• Fuselage: Conventional with rear turboprop pusher

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 16.0 m
• Length: 10.0 m
• MTOW: 3,500 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Turboprop (rear pusher); significantly FASTER than other Chinese MALE drones

Distinguishing Features

1. SPEED -- 700 km/h, much faster than WL-II (370 km/h) or CH-4 (235 km/h)
2. Anti-ship missile capability -- CM-502KG anti-ship missile
3. 6 underwing pylons
4. Maritime patrol radar option

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• CM-502KG anti-ship missiles have active radar seekers and 30+ kg warheads
• Higher speed = higher kinetic energy at crash
• JP-8 type fuel (turboprop)

---

CH-7 RAINBOW (STEALTH UCAV)

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: CH-7 (Cai Hong-7, Rainbow-7)
• Manufacturer: CASC / CAAA, China

Category

Stealth UCAV (flying wing) -- exportable stealth drone

Planform

• Wing configuration: Tailless flying wing
• Tail type: NO TAIL
• Fuselage: Blended into wing; stealth shaping

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 22.0 m (72.2 ft)
• Length: 10.0 m
• MTOW: 13,000 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Single turbofan; jet exhaust at rear

Payload Indicators

• Internal weapons bays for PGMs and missiles
• AESA radar (reported)

Distinguishing Features

1. Very large flying wing (22m span, 13,000 kg)
2. No tail surfaces
3. Internal weapons bays
4. Marketed for export (unique -- US/EU don't export stealth drones)

EOD Hazards

• Internal weapons bays with trapped ordnance
• RAM/stealth coatings may contain toxic compounds
• Large turbofan with jet fuel
• High intelligence priority

---

FH-97 LOYAL WINGMAN

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: FH-97 (Fei Hong-97)
• Manufacturer: CASC / CAAA, China

Category

Expendable / attritable loyal wingman UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Stealthy swept wing with DSI (diverterless supersonic) inlet
• Tail type: V-tail
• Fuselage: Stealthy aerodynamic shape

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~10 m
• Length: ~9 m
• MTOW: ~3,000 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Turbofan; ventral intake

Distinguishing Features

1. Stealthy design but with V-tail (not pure flying wing)
2. DSI inlet (distinctive bump on intake)
3. Designed to be expendable -- higher encounter probability than high-value platforms
4. Operates alongside J-20 fighters

EOD Hazards

• Turbofan, jet fuel, possible internal weapons
• RAM/stealth coatings
• Designed to be expendable -- may be encountered more frequently than GJ-11

---

BZK-005

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: BZK-005
• Manufacturer: BUAA / Harbin Aircraft / AVIC, China

Category

Long-endurance MALE ISR UAV

Planform

• Wing configuration: Twin-boom pusher configuration -- DISTINCTIVE
• Tail type: Twin-boom with rear horizontal stabilizer connecting booms
• Fuselage: Central body with pusher prop between twin booms

Dimensions

• Wingspan: 18 m
• Length: 7.5 m
• MTOW: 1,250 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Piston engine, rear pusher propeller (between twin booms)

Distinguishing Features

1. TWIN-BOOM PUSHER -- distinctive configuration; prop between two tail booms
2. 40-hour endurance -- very long loiter capability
3. Regularly patrols East/South China Sea
4. Unarmed ISR only

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• Unarmed ISR -- primary hazard is fuel and composite debris
• SIGINT payloads have high intelligence value
• Large airframe; extensive debris field

---

BLOWFISH A3

Designation and Aliases

• Primary: Blowfish A3
• Manufacturer: Ziyan UAV, Shenzhen, China

Category

Rotary-wing armed UAV / helicopter drone

Planform

• Configuration: Helicopter -- single main rotor + tail rotor
• NOT a multirotor -- conventional helicopter layout

Dimensions

• MTOW: 58 kg
• Payload: 12 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Main rotor + tail rotor (helicopter)
• Electric or small engine

Payload Indicators

• 4x anti-personnel grenades (parachute-retarded), or 2x mortar rounds, or machine gun pod
• EO/IR camera

Distinguishing Features

1. HELICOPTER CONFIGURATION -- unusual for a military UAV; may be mistaken for commercial drone
2. Single main rotor + tail rotor
3. Small (58 kg) -- squad-level deployment
4. AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS DELIVERY -- marketed as capable of autonomous target engagement without human input

CRITICAL EOD WARNING

• Autonomous operation means it may attempt to re-engage targets even after partial damage
• Grenades have parachute-retarded fuzes -- if not detonated, they are live UXO
• LiPo battery hazard

---

DPRK SMALL RECONNAISSANCE DRONES

Designation and Aliases

• Paju drone, Baengnyeong drone, Samcheok drone (2014 recoveries)
• Inje drone (2017 recovery)
• December 2022 incursion drones (not recovered)
• No formal DPRK designations confirmed

Category

Small fixed-wing tactical ISR UAV (modified hobbyist/commercial platforms)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Conventional monoplane (varies by specific drone)
• Tail type: Conventional tail
• Fuselage: Lightweight foam/composite (expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, carbon fiber reinforcement)

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~1.4-2.5 m (varies)
• Length: ~1.4-1.8 m
• MTOW: ~15-30 kg
• Size class: Small -- hobbyist/RC aircraft size

Propulsion (Visible)

• Electric motor (some variants) or small gasoline piston engine (~3-5 hp)
• Propeller (tractor or pusher depending on variant)

Color/Finish

• SKY-BLUE PAINTED UNDERSIDE -- aerial camouflage; KEY IDENTIFIER
• White or light-colored upper surfaces
• Lightweight foam/composite visible construction

Payload Indicators

• Consumer DSLR camera (Canon EOS series confirmed) mounted in fuselage
• NO weapons -- ISR only
• Camera with intervalometer for automatic photo capture

Distinguishing Features

1. SKY-BLUE PAINTED UNDERSIDE -- the single most distinctive field identifier
2. Consumer-grade components throughout (Canon camera, ArduPilot flight controller, consumer GPS)
3. Lightweight foam/composite construction -- looks like a hobby aircraft
4. Very small size (~1.5-2.5m span)
5. Simple GPS waypoint autopilot (consumer-grade)
6. Chinese-manufactured components (GPS modules, electronic components)
7. No weapons -- purely ISR; camera contains photographs of military targets

Commonly Confused With

EOD Hazards

• No warhead in confirmed recovered examples
• Self-destruct POSSIBILITY -- cannot rule out on future variants
• LiPo battery fire hazard (electric variants)
• Fuel hazard (gasoline on piston-engine variants)
• Intelligence value: EXTREMELY HIGH -- GPS waypoint data reveals launch location and target priorities; camera photographs of military installations; component analysis reveals procurement networks

---

DPRK D-4 / D-5

Designation and Aliases

• D-4 / Pangae-5 (ASN-104 derivative)
• D-5 (ASN-105 derivative)
• US/ROK assessment designations

Category

Short-range tactical reconnaissance UAV (Chinese-derived)

Planform

• Wing configuration: High-wing monoplane (conventional)
• Tail type: Conventional
• Fuselage: Cylindrical; unpainted silver/natural metal finish

Dimensions

• D-4: ~2.4-3.5m length, ~2.8-3.5m wingspan, ~50-120 kg
• D-5: ~3.5-4.0m length, ~4.0-5.0m wingspan, ~100-140 kg

Propulsion (Visible)

• Small piston engine; rear pusher propeller

Color/Finish

• Silver/unpainted natural metal -- KEY IDENTIFIER distinguishing from sky-blue incursion drones
• Some may have minimal paint

Distinguishing Features

1. Silver/unpainted metal skin (vs sky-blue foam of incursion drones)
2. Larger than 2014/2017 incursion drones
3. More conventional aircraft construction (metal vs foam)
4. Based on Chinese ASN-104/105 lineage (1970s-era design)
5. Rocket-assisted takeoff or catapult launch; parachute recovery

EOD Hazards

• No confirmed weapons
• Gasoline fuel hazard (piston engine)
• Pyrotechnic parachute deployment charge
• RATO booster (solid propellant) may be found at launch site
• Self-destruct charge possible to prevent exploitation

---

DPRK MALE-TYPE UAV

Designation and Aliases

• Unofficial: "DPRK MALE UAV" or "Saetbyol-9" (unconfirmed)
• Displayed at DPRK defense exhibitions (2021, 2022)

Category

MALE armed ISR UAV (unverified operational capability -- may be mockup)

Planform

• Wing configuration: Conventional high-wing
• Tail type: V-tail
• Fuselage: Large EO/IR turret under nose; wing hardpoints visible
• Resembles: MQ-9 Reaper or Chinese CH-4/CH-5

Dimensions

• Wingspan: ~15-20 m (estimated from parade imagery)
• Length: ~8-10 m
• MTOW: ~1,000-2,000 kg class (estimated)

Distinguishing Features

1. Large drone displayed at DPRK parades
2. Resembles MQ-9/CH-4 but DPRK construction quality appears inconsistent
3. May be a display mockup rather than flying aircraft
4. If real, likely based on Chinese technology transfer

EOD Hazards

• If encountered operationally: approach as armed UAV with potential PGMs on hardpoints
• DPRK manufacturing quality means ordnance may be particularly unpredictable
• Fuel hazard

---

FPV ATTACK DRONES -- GENERIC PROFILES

FPV drones evolve faster than any document can track. Focus on HAZARD PATTERNS rather than specific model identification.

PROFILE A: Standard 5-inch FPV (MOST COMMON)

Category: Kamikaze attack drone (single-use)

Planform:

• Quadrotor (4 arms in X pattern; 4 propellers)
• ~200-300mm frame diagonal (motor-to-motor)

Dimensions:

• Frame: 5" prop class (~200-300mm diagonal)
• Weight: 500g-3 kg (including warhead)
• Size class: Micro -- fits in a hand

Propulsion (Visible):

• 4 brushless DC motors with propellers (5-7 inch props)
• LiPo battery (4S-6S, 14.8-22.2V)
• Chinese-manufactured motors predominate (T-Motor, BrotherHobby, iFlight)

Color/Finish:

• Typically black or dark carbon fiber frame
• Warhead usually taped, zip-tied, or strapped to underside
• 3D-printed tail assemblies on warheads (distinctive colored plastic)

Payload Indicators:

• Warhead VISIBLE -- typically strapped underneath
• RPG-7 warhead (PG-7V/VL HEAT) -- MOST COMMON; conical shaped charge
• VOG-17/VOG-25 grenades
• RKG-3 anti-tank grenade
• Improvised shaped charges
• 3D-printed fin kits for stabilization (brightly colored PLA/PETG plastic)

Distinguishing Features:

1. X-pattern quadrotor with visible warhead strapped underneath
2. FPV camera on front (small lens visible)
3. Exposed electronics (flight controller, ESCs, wiring visible)
4. LiPo battery typically on top or side
5. Antenna (video transmitter) visible
6. Warhead attached with tape, zip ties, 3D-printed mounts
7. Very small -- easily held in one hand (without warhead)

EOD Hazards -- CRITICAL:

• RPG WARHEAD: Piezoelectric nose fuze is IMPACT SENSITIVE -- any jarring could detonate
• Anti-handling devices documented: Secondary fuzes, dead-man switches, pressure-release mechanisms, timer circuits, accelerometer-based motion sensors
• TREAT AS IED -- 300m minimum standoff
• LiPo battery: Thermal runaway, HF gas, spontaneous ignition if damaged
• DO NOT APPROACH without EOD assessment

---

PROFILE B: Heavy-Lift Multirotor (Baba Yaga Class)

Category: Munition-dropping drone (recoverable, multi-use)

Planform:

• Hexacopter (6 rotors) or octocopter (8 rotors)
• ~800mm-1200mm frame diagonal
• Large propellers (12-30 inch)

Dimensions:

• Frame: 800mm-1200mm diagonal
• Payload: 5-20 kg
• Size class: Medium

Propulsion (Visible):

• 6-8 large brushless motors
• Large LiPo batteries (high capacity)
• Some based on DJI Agras agricultural drone frame

Color/Finish:

• Black, dark gray, or green
• Cargo bay/release mechanism visible underneath
• Much larger than standard FPV drones

Payload Indicators:

• Multiple munitions -- carries mortar rounds, anti-tank mines, large IEDs, thermite
• Drop mechanism visible (bomb rack, servo release, electromagnetic release)
• Can carry 82mm mortar rounds, TM-62 AT mines, 5-15 kg IEDs

Distinguishing Features:

1. LARGE multirotor with 6-8 arms -- much bigger than 5" FPV
2. Cargo bay/release mechanism visible under center body
3. Large propellers (12-30 inch)
4. Used primarily at night (acoustic signature: "Baba Yaga" = Slavic folklore witch)
5. RECOVERABLE (unlike FPV kamikaze drones)
6. Munitions dropped, not carried to impact

EOD Hazards:

• CHECK FOR RETAINED MUNITIONS -- drop mechanism may have failed with armed munition still attached
• Multiple types of ordnance possible (mortar rounds, AT mines, IEDs, thermite)
• Very large LiPo battery packs -- significant fire hazard
• Dropped munitions found separately create wide UXO contamination

---

PROFILE C: Fiber-Optic Guided FPV

Category: Jamming-immune kamikaze drone (CRITICAL EMERGING THREAT)

Planform:

• Same as standard 5" FPV quadrotor
• Thin fiber-optic cable trailing from rear/bottom

Key Distinction:

• FIBER-OPTIC CABLE (0.1-0.2mm diameter) visible trailing from crash site
• IMMUNE to electronic warfare / RF jamming
• Video and control signals pass through fiber, not radio

Distinguishing Features:

1. Standard FPV appearance BUT with visible fiber-optic spool/cable
2. Thin translucent cable trailing from drone (may be hundreds of meters long)
3. No radio antenna needed for control (may still have VTX for backup)
4. Range limited by spool length (10-20+ km documented)

EOD Hazards:

• Same warhead hazards as standard FPV
• Fiber-optic cable is evidence of the system -- preserve for intelligence
• Jamming countermeasures are INEFFECTIVE against this type

---

PROFILE D: Modified Commercial Drones (DJI/COTS)

Category: ISR and munition-dropping platform (modified commercial)

Planform:

• Standard commercial quadcopter/hexacopter appearance
• DJI Mavic 3, Matrice 300/350, Phantom 4, Inspire 2, Autel EVO
• DJI Agras T-series (agricultural converted to bomber)

Dimensions:

• Various -- from 895g (Mavic 3) to 6.3 kg (Matrice 300)
• Payload: 40mm grenade to several kg

Distinguishing Features:

1. Recognizable commercial drone body (DJI branding often visible)
2. MODIFIED with aftermarket release mechanism (servo clamp, 3D-printed bomb rack)
3. May carry 40mm grenades, small IEDs, modified mortar rounds
4. Camera for ISR (standard commercial camera)
5. Very small (Mavic 3) to medium (Matrice 300) size

EOD Hazards:

• DO NOT ASSUME COMMERCIAL = SAFE -- modified drones carry live ordnance
• Check for attached munitions and drop mechanisms
• Hung/jammed munitions in release mechanism are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
• LiPo battery fire hazard
• DJI AeroScope can detect DJI drones but modified firmware may disable this

---

VISUAL DISCRIMINATION QUICK REFERENCE

By Propulsion Type

By Tail Type

By Wing Shape

---

CRITICAL LOOKALIKE WARNINGS

Chinese Drones That Resemble US/Israeli Systems

Iranian Drones That Resemble US Systems

---

EOD MASTER QUICK REFERENCE -- DRONE CRASH RESPONSE

Immediate Actions at Any Drone Crash Site

1. STOP -- Do NOT approach. Assume armed and booby-trapped
2. STANDOFF -- Minimum distances:
   • FPV drone (any): 300m (treat as IED)
   • Lancet/KUB: 300m
   • Shahed/Geran: 500m (40-50 kg warhead + fuel)
   • Mohajer/Wing Loong (armed): 500m (weapons on pylons)
   • Heavy-lift multirotor: 300m
   • ISR-only drone (Orlan, ZALA): 100m (fuel/battery only)
   • Unknown drone: 300m minimum
3. OBSERVE -- Use binoculars, ISR, or own drone from safe distance
4. IDENTIFY -- Use this reference: check planform, tail type, propulsion, size
5. REPORT -- Type, condition, GPS location, visible ordnance, any wires/secondary devices
6. WAIT FOR EOD -- Do NOT attempt to move, disassemble, or render safe without qualification

Universal Hazards at ALL Drone Crash Sites

Intelligence Exploitation Priority

---

SOURCE CROSS-REFERENCES

All data in this document is derived from the following source inventory files:

---

Document Control:

• Version: 1.0
• Date: 2026-03-28
• Next Review: Monthly (drone technology evolves faster than any other ordnance category)
• Distribution: UNCLASSIFIED // OSINT -- EOD visual identification agent training data
• Architecture: Conforms to visual-id/VISUAL_ID_ARCHITECTURE.md feature profile schema