HESA Saeqeh
HESA (IAMI) · Iran · first flew 2004 · fighter
The Saeqeh is an Iranian lightweight fighter derived from the Northrop F-5, most obviously distinguished from its parent by a pair of outward-canted vertical tails.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Two J85 turbojets in the fuselage with side intakes |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- F-5-like airframe with twin canted vertical tails
- Low tapered wing with root strakes
- Two J85 turbojets in the fuselage with side intakes
It looks like an F-5 Tiger II but carries two outward-canted fins in place of the single tail. A low tapered wing with leading-edge root strakes and twin side intakes complete the profile. Published dimensions closely follow the F-5E parent.
Specifications
- The HESA Saeqeh has a length of 14.4 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.1 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
It was a second-generation development of Iran's earlier Azarakhsh F-5 rework, with a prototype revealed on state television in 2004. The aircraft was validated in trials and formally introduced in 2007. Only around a dozen airframes are thought to have been built.
Variants
The single-seat Saeqeh-1 was joined by a two-seat Saeqeh-2 with revised avionics from the mid-2010s. Both retain the twin-tail signature and the F-5 fuselage and wing. Later Iranian effort shifted to the related HESA Kowsar.
Where you'll see it
The type has no UK relevance and serves the Iranian air force in small numbers. Iranian claims about its radar and range are unverified and treated with scepticism. Its practical significance lies in sustaining and modernising an ageing F-5 fleet.
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