Technical commentary on a captured Iranian UAV

Technical commentary on a Ghods Ababil-3 ("Swallow-3") UAV captured “near Baiji” by ISIL, from imagery recently posted on social media:

- Aircraft serial “3-2-R 192” appears largely intact, suggesting a technical fault brought down the aircraft for ISIL to capture.
- The aircraft has been stored within an enclosed structure and ISIL appears to have initiated an informal process of selective dismantling.

- Interesting adaptations apparent to the UAV powerplant. Iranians opted for plain-surfaced cylinder heads; more robust than finned type and cheaper to manufacture.
- Visually, number two cylinder appears to have suffered broken cooling fins; likely from being maintained in the field or in handling after capture.
- There appears to be a sealing problem at the header/exhaust port. Issue may be related to a manufacture or service fault. [Suggested solutions withheld.]
- Wiring harness appears locally manufactured. Visible color coding appears limited to BLK and WHT.
- Interesting to know if this powerplant was manufactured in Iran (using Limbach original source CNC machine G-code files for machining, see HERE) or if a supplier in China is involved.

- Rear access panel ajar may expose aircraft's fuel pump unit.
- Fractured starboard boom reveals composite material construction.

- Forward top fuselage assembly removed, revealing Vertical Gyroscope and “Power Box.”
- Note the hastily cut mounting section.
- Ordinary crimp connectors used at Vertical Gyroscope.

Additional: A very economical approach towards UAV manufacture. Iranian UAVs have now seen service in a number of regional conflicts. As an aerial reconnaissance platform, their low unit cost  would seem to somewhat offset determined levels of attrition due to factors related to combat or mechanical reliability.