Eurocopter AS565 Panther
AS565 Panther | |
---|---|
An AS565 Panther of the French Navy | |
Role | utility military helicopter |
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | Eurocopter
Airbus Helicopters |
First flight | 28 February 1984 |
Introduction | 1986 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | French Naval Aviation Brazilian Army Israeli Air Force Indonesian Navy |
Produced | 1984–present |
Developed from | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS565 Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter. The Panther is used for a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
Development
During the 1980s, French aerospace firm
In May 1986, Aerospatiale formally launched production of the AS365M, at which point the firm anticipated more than 400 Panthers to be sold in the long term.
In February 2016, Airbus Helicopters promised to relocate the global production line for the AS565 Panther to India if it is selected by the Indian Navy for a proposed utility helicopter acquisition.[5][6] In April 2016, the production rate of the AS565 Panther was announced to have been substantially increased following a switch from a static production line to a task flow line, as well as a 30 per cent reduction in component lead times.[7]
Design
The AS565 Panther is a twin-engine medium-sized multi-mission rotorcraft. It is capable of performing various naval and land-based missions, such as maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), vertical replenishment, surveillance, special forces operations, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and Anti-surface warfare (ASuW).[8][9] The Panther is powered by a pair of Turbomeca Arriel turboshaft engines, which drives the rotorcraft's main rotor as well as the fenestron anti-torque tail rotor device.[8][10] The flight profile of the Panther has been described as being easy to manoeuver, possessing generous g-force limitations and a high level of stability.[11]
In the commando-transport configuration, the Panther may carry up to 10 fully armed soldiers on board at a time in addition to the two pilots flying the aircraft.
Various avionics are present upon the Panther; some variants are fitted with the advanced human-machine interface (HMI)
The principle element of ASW-configured Panthers is the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS), a dipping sonar equipped with a descending array of seven projection elements and a receiving array equipped with eight extending arms, which is capable of detecting submarines up to 500 meters below the water's surface.[14] According to Airbus Helicopters, the Panther family has been qualified to operate from the flight decks of over 100 classes of NATO vessels, and complies with NATO standardization agreements.[15] The compact size of the Panther has enabled the type to be operated from smaller ocean-going vessels such as corvettes.[14] To aid in shipboard landings under rough sea conditions and high winds, some variants can be furnished with the hydraulic Harpoon deck-lock securing device.[9]
The Panther can be armed with several different sets of munitions and armaments, dependent upon the intended role. Munitions include 20mm pod-mounted
Operational history
The French Naval Aviation took delivery of 15 Panthers between 1993 and 1998 for maritime operations.[16] As a response to increasing acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, since 2008, Panthers have been routinely dispatched upon multiple French frigates that have conducted deployments in support of Operation Atalanta, a long term pan-European counter-piracy operation. In the Aden, the Panther has been typically used for maritime patrol, surveillance and troop-transport missions, such as the transportation of strike teams and the retrieval of detainees.[17][18][19]
In May 2009, France announced a major mid-life upgrade program for the Aeronavale's Panther fleet, focused on cockpit upgrades and improved defensive/offensive equipment. The additions and alterations include a new
In 1988, the
Following positive experiences of operating a pair of
During the
In 2014, the Indonesian Navy opted to procure 11 ASW-equipped Panthers through Indonesian Aerospace (PTDI); Airbus Helicopters shall produce the base rotorcraft and deliver them to PTDI's facility in Bandung, Indonesia and separately install mission systems such as the ASW suite. In the Asian market, the European-built Panther has had limited sales mainly due to export competition from the Chinese-built Harbin Z-9, itself a license-built derivative of the Dauphin alike to the Panther.[14][30]
Variants
- SA 365M Panther
- Prototype military variant first flown on 29 February 1984.[3]
- SA 365 FK
- Original designation of SA 365 K.
- SA 365 K
- The first version of the Panther, based on the AS365 N2. Offered with various armaments, including podded Giat M621 20 mm cannon, 2.75 in Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rockets (in pods of 19) or 68mm Thales Brandt rockets (in pods of 22).
- AS565 UA
- Unarmed military utility variant for reconnaissance, transportation and search and rescue. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.[3]
- AS565 UB
- Utility version of the AS365 N3, currently in production. This version is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshafts, which are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). The main missions of this version are transport of 8 to 10 fully equipped troops, casualty evacuation and logistic support.
- AS565 AA
- Armed military battlefield variant, can be armed with air-to-air weapons including 20-mm canon pods, rockets or up to eight Mistral air-to-air missiles. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.[3]
- AS565 AB
- Attack version of the AS365 N3.
- AS565 MA
- Multi-purpose unarmed naval variant for maritime patrol, search & rescue (fitted with a hoist) or a surveillance. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.[3]
- AS565 MB
- Maritime transport and search & rescue version of the AS365 N3.AS 15 TT anti-ship missile, Mark 46 torpedoand Whitehead A.244/S torpedo.
- AS565 SA
- Multi-purpose armed naval variant for anti-submarine warfare using either Sonar or MAD, search and rescue and surveillance roles. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.[3]
- AS565 SB
- Surveillance and ASuW version of the AS365 N3.[4]
- AS565 CA
- Armed military anti-armour variant with roof-mounted sight and HOT missiles. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.[3]
- AS565 N3
- Maritime patrol and surveillance version of the AS365 N3 for the Hellenic Coast Guard
- AS565 SC
- Search and rescue version for Saudi Arabia.
- AS565 MBe
- Improved MB with an increased payload, folding main rotors and tailfin, Arriel 2N engines and new avionics. Initially for the Mexican Navy.[31]
- HM-1 Pantera
- Based on the AS565 AA, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters subsidiary Helibras for the Brazilian Army.[32]
- Panther 800
- Version offered for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter program as a replacement for the
- Harbin Z-9
- The Harbin Z-9 and its variants are Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation for the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Operators
- Israeli Air Force (used by the Israeli Navy)[36]
- Royal Saudi Naval Forces[36]
Specifications (AS365 MB Panther)
External videos | |
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French Navy Panther taxiing and taking off | |
Footage of Panther operations | |
AS565 Panther overview |
Data from [citation needed]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
- Capacity: 10 troops
- Length: 13.68 m (44 ft 11 in)
- Height: 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in)
- Empty weight: 2,380 kg (5,247 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,300 kg (9,480 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Turboméca Arriel 2Cturboshaft, 635 kW (852 hp) each
- Main rotor diameter: 11.94 m (39 ft 2 in)
- Main rotor area: 111.98 m2 (1,205.3 sq ft)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn)
- Range: 827 km (514 mi, 447 nmi)
- Endurance: 4.1 hours
- Service ceiling: 5,865 m (19,242 ft)
- Rate of climb: 8.9 m/s (1,750 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns: M621 cannon 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon pods.
- Rockets: 68 mm (2.677 in) or 70 mm (2.756 in) unguided rockets.
- Missiles:
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat
- Bell 412
- Bell UH-1Y Venom
- HAL Dhruv
- HAL LUH
- Harbin Z-9
- Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite
- Kamov Ka-27
- Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
- Westland Lynx
Related lists
References
Citations
- ^ a b McGowen 2005, p. 163.
- ^ a b c "Aerospatiale unleashes Panther." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 10 May 1986. p. 3.
- ^ a b c d e f g Taylor 1996, pp. 368–370.
- ^ a b c "More power for Naval Panther." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, June 1995. p. 21.
- ^ Perry, Dominic. "SINGAPORE: Airbus Helicopters targets Asian sales expansion." Archived 7 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 22 February 2016.
- ^ Sanjai, P.R. "Airbus plans global hub in India for Panther copters." Archived 16 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Live Mint, 15 March 2016.
- ^ Perry, Dominic. "Airbus Helicopters advances Panther MBe deliveries." Archived 16 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 8 April 2016.
- ^ a b c "AS565 MBe." Archived 12 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters, Retrieved: 8 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d "AS565MB." Archived 3 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine Helibras, Retrieved: 8 December 2015.
- ^ Northham 1987, p. 31.
- ^ Northham 1987, pp. 31–32.
- ^ a b c d e Northham 1987, p. 30.
- ^ Northham 1987, p. 32.
- ^ a b c Waldron, Greg. "Panthers to assume ASW role in Indonesia." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Update, 5 November 2014.
- ^ a b "Aircraft: Light and medium helicopters." Archived 26 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters, Retrieved: 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Strategic Digest." Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, 1993. Volume 23, Issues 1–6 p. 157.
- ^ Whittle, Richard. "High Sea Piracy: Crisis in Aden." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Today, 1 June 2009.
- ^ "FS Guépratte joins EU Counter Piracy Forces Operation Atalanta." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine European External Action Service, 25 April 2012.
- ^ "French troops seize Somali pirates after hostages are freed." The New York Times, 11 April 2008.
- ^ Kieran, Daly. "French navy unveils major upgrade for Panther helicopter." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 24 May 2009.
- ^ Osborne, Tony. "First Panther 'Standard 2' delivered to French Navy." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine RotorHub, 38 June 2011.
- ^ Hoyle, Craig. "Helibras to upgrade Brazilian army Panthers." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 11 January 2010.
- ^ a b Tomkins, Richard. "Modernization of Brazilian Army helicopters to continue." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine United Press International, 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Helibras begins deliveries of upgraded AS365 Panther K2 helicopters to the Brazilian Army." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters, 13 March 2014.
- ISBN 1-85780-088-5. Archivedfrom the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "Israel's AS.565 Panther inherits Hellstar sensors." Archived 22 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 21 June 1994. p. 18.
- ^ a b "Long sighted." Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 9 March 2004.
- ISBN 1-55750-268-4.
- ^ "AS 565MB Panther Mulitrole Naval Helicopter - Naval Technology". Archived from the original on 19 January 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
- ^ "Indonesian navy stalks AS565 Panther deal." Archived 28 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 5 May 2014.
- ISSN 0015-3710.
- ^ "Eurocopter AS 365 Dauphin and AS 565 Panther (International)"[permanent dead link] [subscription article]. Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems. Jane's Information Group, 17 March 2011.
- ^ Vought Panther 800 LUH page Archived 26 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Panther 800 Helicopter." Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, 1991. p. 8.
- ^ "Brazilian Army upgrades its AS565K Panther fleet". 2012 Helihub.com. 7 January 2010. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g "World Air Forces 2018". Flightglobal Insight. 2018. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ "Airbus Helicopters delivers first three AS565 MBe Panther to Indonesia". 23 November 2016. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Aviation Photo #2113700: Eurocopter AS-565MB Panther - South Korea - Coast Guard". Airliners.net. Archived from the original on 24 March 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
- ^ Hərbi TV (31 October 2016). "Turkmenistan Military Parade 2016". YouTube (in Turkmen). Ashgabat. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
Bibliography
- McGowen, Stanley S. "Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact." ABC-CLIO, 2005. ISBN 1-85109-468-7.
- Northham, Hugh. "Panther prowl." Flight International, 8 August 1987. pp. 30–32.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.