H-4 SOW
| H-4 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision-guided glide bomb |
| Place of origin |
 Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003 - Present [1][2] |
| Used by | Pakistan Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | NESCOM |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | High explosives |
|
| |
| Engine | Solid propellant booster (rocketry) |
Operational range | 120 km |
Guidance system | Electro-optical (infrared homing) |
Launch platform | military aircraft |
The H-4 SOW (Stand-Off Weapon) is a precision-guided glide bomb manufactured by Pakistan and deployed by the Pakistan Air Force, capable of striking targets at stand-off range. It has a terminal guidance system based on an infrared homing seeker, which identifies the target during the final stage of flight. Designed to hit targets out to 120 km, the bomb may have the capability to evade radar.[2]
History
According to Pakistani press reports, the H-4 glide bomb was created by Pakistan's National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), working in collaboration with the Pakistan Missile Organisation and Air Weapons Complex in Pakistan, by modifying the design of the South African Denel T-Darter beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile. A lighter version of the H-4 has also been produced, the H-2 SOW, which has a stated range of 60 km.
Three successful tests were conducted, the last one in 2003, which led to field deployment on the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage V strike fighters of the Pakistan Air Force. It has also been stated that the H-4 will be integrated with the PAF's new multi-role combat aircraft, the JF-17, which is replacing the ageing fleet of Mirage III and Mirage V aircraft. All Pakistani JF-17 fighters, from the initial JF-17 Block 1 model to the final Block 3 version, will be capable of launching the H-4.[3]
The H-4's stated range of 120 km and its glide bomb design has led to speculation that it may be a copy or a Pakistani variant of the Denel Raptor II glide bomb, which is also guided by an infrared homing seeker and has a range of 120 km.[2][4]
References
- ↑ Sharif, Arshad (18 December 2003). "PAF adds new bombs to its arsenal". Dawn. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
- 1 2 3 Fisher, Jr., Richard (29 October 2004). "Report On the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)". International Assessment and Strategy Center (IASC). Retrieved 26 June 2009.
- ↑ Ansari, Usman (7 February 2013). "Despite Missile Integration, Nuke Role Unlikely for Pakistan’s JF-17". Defense News. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
- ↑ Ansari, Usman. "The JF-17 Thunder: A hefty punch at an affordable price.". Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
External links
- Dawn - a Pakistani newspaper article on H-4
- The Times of India - an Indian newspaper article on H-4
- The Tribune - an Indian newspaper article on H-4
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