Shahed 101

The Shahed 101, developed by Iran’s Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, entered the aviation scene in 2012 as the country’s first domestically designed light utility aircraft. Conceived to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the program began in 2008 under the guidance of veteran aerospace engineers who adapted proven turboprop technology to local manufacturing capabilities. The Shahed 101 features a high‑wing monoplane layout, a 350‑horsepower PZL‑Krakow engine, and a reinforced composite airframe that offers a maximum take‑off weight of 2,500 kg. Its spacious cabin can be configured for passenger transport, medical evacuation, or cargo missions, while a robust landing‑gear system enables operation from unprepared strips and desert airfields. Modern avionics include GPS‑based navigation, digital flight displays, and a self‑diagnostic health‑monitoring suite, positioning the aircraft as a versatile platform for both civilian and military short‑range operations. The Shahed 101’s successful certification by Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority marked a milestone in the nation’s quest for aerospace self‑sufficiency and has inspired subsequent projects such as the Shahed 123 trainer and the Shahed UAV family, underscoring its lasting impact on regional aviation development. The aircraft has also performed reliably in extreme heat, earning export interest from regional partners.

Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center

Design & Classification