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Hatf-I

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Hatf-I
The Hatf-I (shown in 6th, from right to left) by US MDA.
TypeBRBM/Rocket artillery
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
In service1992–Present
Used by Pakistan Army
Production history
DesignerSpace Research Commission
(Rocket system)
Kahuta Research Laboratories
(Warhead design/assembly)
Designed1987–89
ManufacturerSpace Research Commission
Produced1987–2001
No. built105 (stock estimated in 2021)[1])
VariantsHatf-I: 1992
Hatf-IA: 1995
Hatf-IB: 2001
Specifications (Technical data)
Mass500 kg (1,100 lb)
Length6.0 m (19.7 ft)
Diameter0.56 m (22 in)
Maximum firing range100 km (62 mi)
WarheadConventional HE/CE
Warhead weight500 kg (1,100 lb)
EngineSingle-stage
Payload capacity500 kg (1,100 lb)
TransmissionManual
SuspensionM35/Isuzu x 4WD semi-trailer
PropellantSolid-propellant
Operational
range
Hatf-I: 70 km (43 mi)
Hatf-IA/IB: 100 km (62 mi)
Maximum speed 5.9–6.1 m/s (19–20 ft/s)
Guidance
system
Unguided:Hatf-I/IA
Inertial: Hatf-IB
Accuracy100 m (330 ft) CEP
Launch
platform
Transporter erector launcher

The Hatf I (Urdu: حتف; Military designation: Hatf–I, Translit. Target-1) is a land-based tactical and battlefield range ballistic missile, currently in service with the strategic command of the Pakistan Army.[2]

Jointly designed and developed by the Space Research Commission and the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1987, it is the first system developed under Hatf program (lit. Target) and entered in military service with Pakistan Army in 1992.[3]

The Hatf-I is deployed as rocket artillery weapon system and has been replaced by the improved Hatf-IA and Hatf-IB, which have a maximum range of 100 kilometres (62 mi).[2]

Development and design

[edit]

With the revelation of India's missile program, General Mirza Beg, then-chief of army staff working under President Zia-ul-Haq, launched a Hatf (lit. Target) program to meet India's challenge.: 235 [4] The Hatf-I was developed in response and attempt to counter India's Prithvi and the program was first delegated to Space Research Commission.: 235 [4] Designing of Hatf rocket system began in 1987 with Khan Research Laboratories joining the project and took initiatives to design warheads.: 236 [4] The Hatf-I was developed in haste to address India's challenge and led to allegations by the Western observation that the missile was derived from French and American designs.[5] The Hatf mission was to be use as an unguided general bombardment weapon, to be fired across a battlefield or at a general target area.[5] If properly aimed, it can hit within several hundred meters of the target area.[5] On a Pakistan Day Parade, the weapon system was officially revealed by the Pakistani military in 1989 and it is believed to have entered service in 1992.[6]

The Hatf I has a range of approximately 70 km (43 mi) and can carry a 500 kg conventional or non-conventional warhead. As it is unguided, it should be considered a long-range artillery shell, with the location of the impact depending upon the proper direction, angle of launch and the ability of the missile to fly straight. The Hatf-I is deployed with high explosive or cluster munitions, although it can theoretically carry a tactical nuclear weapon. The missile has a diameter of 0.56 m and is 6 m in length. It uses a single-stage solid propellant rocket motor.[5]

The Hatf IA and Hatf IB are upgraded versions with improved range and accuracy. The Hatf IA increased maximum range to 100 km by using an improved rocket motor and lighter materials in the missile's construction. The dimensions and the payload capacity remain the same. Hatf-IA is believed to have entered service in 1995.[5]

The Hatf IB represents the final evolution of the Hatf I missile system. It includes an inertial guidance system that considerably improves the accuracy of the missile and is otherwise identical to the Hatf IA, retaining the maximum range of 100 km and payload of 500 kg. The inertial guidance system allows the missile to be used as an artillery rocket against enemy military encampments or storage depots etc. The missile system is designed to be used like an artillery system, with 5–6 missiles fired simultaneously at the target area. Being a ballistic missile the Hatf-IB would reach its target much quicker than an ordinary artillery shell giving the target little warning to take evasive action.

Hatf-IB was first flight tested in February 2000. All current Hatf-I missiles have been upgraded to Hatf-IB standard as of 2001. The system is operational with Pakistan's armed forces.[5][7] Besides Ghauri, the Hatf-I is the only weapon system that is transported on a semitrailer.[5]

Variants

[edit]
  • Hatf I — Maximum range: 70 km (43 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb), unguided.
  • Hatf IA — Maximum range: 100 km (62 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb), unguided.
  • Hatf IB — Maximum range: 100 km (62 mi) Payload: 500 kg (1,100 lb), inertial guidance.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ The Military Balance 2021. International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 290.
  2. ^ a b "Hatf 1". Missile Threat. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  3. ^ Khan, Zafar (17 July 2014). Pakistan's Nuclear Policy: A Minimum Credible Deterrence. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-67600-3.
  4. ^ a b c Khan, Feroz Hassan (2012). Eating grass the making of the Pakistani bomb. Palo Alto: Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0804784801.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Hatf 1". Missile Threat.
  6. ^ "Pakistan's Missile Program Chronology". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Hatf-1 - Pakistan Missile Special Weapons Delivery Systems". nuke.fas.org.
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