HESA Kowsar
Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) · Iran · first flew 2018 · fighter
The HESA Kowsar is an Iranian domestically-produced light fighter unveiled in 2018, officially presented as a new design but widely assessed as a refurbished or reverse-engineered derivative of the Northrop F-5 airframe.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.45 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Iranian single-seat fighter claimed derived from F-5 airframe
- Narrow delta-ish swept wing with single engine intake under nose
- Cockpit with modern glass avionics claimed by Iran
Closely resembles the F-5E Tiger II with its narrow mid-mounted swept wings and single engine. The twin ventral fins and Iranian markings are identifying details.
Specifications
- The HESA Kowsar has a length of 14.45 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.13 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1700 km/h (1056 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Iran revealed the Kowsar in August 2018, claiming it as an indigenous design with a domestically produced avionics suite including a heads-up display and multifunction displays. Western analysts noted strong structural similarities to the F-5E Tiger II. A two-seat variant was subsequently shown.
Variants
A two-seat training version has been displayed alongside the single-seat combat variant.
Where you'll see it
Claimed to be in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), though independent confirmation of operational numbers is limited.
Related aircraft
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