By Reuters
Published: April 4, 2006, 7:46 AM PDT
Iran successfully tested a "super-modern flying boat" Tuesday and the land-to-sea Kowsar missile that military analysts say is designed to sink ships in the Gulf, state media reported.
The tests came in the middle of the "Gulf war games," started Friday, which the country's military says are aimed at preparing its defenses against potential threats. Iranian state radio said the Kowsar could evade radar and that its guidance system could not be scrambled.
Flying boat
The Defense Ministry was not immediately able to give details of a "flying boat" that was shown on television.
The small propeller-driven aircraft floated on a trimaran hull until it took off and flew low over the surface of the water. State television said it could reach speeds of 100 knots.
"A super-modern flying boat was successfully tested in the 'Great Prophet' war game in Persian Gulf waters," state television said.
"Because of its hull's advanced design, no radar at sea or in the air can locate it. (so you don't know if we're lying or not...
It can lift out of the water. It is wholly domestically built and can launch missiles with precise targeting while moving."
An aviation Web site showed the vessel-shared features with WIGE (short for "wing in ground effect") vehicles, known to Russians as ekranoplans.
Earlier in the war games, Iran said it had tested a radar-evading rocket and the Hoot (whale) underwater missile, which allegedly can outpace any enemy warship.
On Monday, Iran's Revolutionary Guard test fired a torpedo it said was being mass-produced in Iran.
State television said another missile would be tested Tuesday afternoon.
Iran rarely gives enough details of its military hardware for analysts to determine whether Tehran is making genuine advances or simply producing defiant propaganda while pressure ratchets up on its nuclear program.
Although Iran can draw on huge manpower, its naval and air force technology is largely dismissed as obsolete.
Published: April 4, 2006, 7:46 AM PDT
Iran successfully tested a "super-modern flying boat" Tuesday and the land-to-sea Kowsar missile that military analysts say is designed to sink ships in the Gulf, state media reported.
The tests came in the middle of the "Gulf war games," started Friday, which the country's military says are aimed at preparing its defenses against potential threats. Iranian state radio said the Kowsar could evade radar and that its guidance system could not be scrambled.
Flying boat
The Defense Ministry was not immediately able to give details of a "flying boat" that was shown on television.
The small propeller-driven aircraft floated on a trimaran hull until it took off and flew low over the surface of the water. State television said it could reach speeds of 100 knots.
"A super-modern flying boat was successfully tested in the 'Great Prophet' war game in Persian Gulf waters," state television said.
"Because of its hull's advanced design, no radar at sea or in the air can locate it. (so you don't know if we're lying or not...
It can lift out of the water. It is wholly domestically built and can launch missiles with precise targeting while moving."An aviation Web site showed the vessel-shared features with WIGE (short for "wing in ground effect") vehicles, known to Russians as ekranoplans.
Earlier in the war games, Iran said it had tested a radar-evading rocket and the Hoot (whale) underwater missile, which allegedly can outpace any enemy warship.
On Monday, Iran's Revolutionary Guard test fired a torpedo it said was being mass-produced in Iran.
State television said another missile would be tested Tuesday afternoon.
Iran rarely gives enough details of its military hardware for analysts to determine whether Tehran is making genuine advances or simply producing defiant propaganda while pressure ratchets up on its nuclear program.
Although Iran can draw on huge manpower, its naval and air force technology is largely dismissed as obsolete.
