Eurocopter AS565 Panther facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids AS565 Panther

An AS565 Panther of the French Navy
Role	utility military helicopter
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Aérospatiale 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 a special military helicopter. It's like a tougher, army-ready version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter. The Panther is a medium-sized helicopter with two engines. It can do many different jobs for the military. These jobs include helping in battles, supporting troops, finding submarines, and rescuing people. It also helps with medical emergencies.

How the Panther Helicopter Was Developed
Design and Features of the AS565 Panther
Operational History of the AS565 Panther
Different Types of Panther Helicopters (Variants)
Who Uses the AS565 Panther? (Operators)
AS565 MB Panther Specifications
See also

How the Panther Helicopter Was Developed

In the 1980s, a French company called Aerospatiale decided to build a military helicopter. They wanted to make a special version of their popular Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter. The civil version of the Dauphin, called the SA365 N, was used as a starting point.

The new helicopter was designed for many tasks. It could be used for general support, fighting tanks, carrying soldiers, and working at sea. On February 28, 1984, the first military prototype flew for the first time. This prototype was first called the AS365M, but later it became known as the Panther. Three test helicopters were built in total.

In May 1986, Aerospatiale officially started making the AS365M. They thought they would sell over 400 Panthers in the future. The first helicopter made for sale was called the AS365 K. Soon after, it was renamed and became widely known as the AS565 Panther.

Early Panther helicopters used two Turbomeca Arriel 1M1 engines. These engines are called turboshaft engines. In 1995, the company Eurocopter started offering Panthers with stronger Turbomeca Arriel 2C engines.

In 2016, Airbus Helicopters said they might move the Panther's production to India. This would happen if the Indian Navy chose the Panther for their new helicopters. Also in 2016, the company made more Panthers faster. They changed how they built the helicopters and made parts quicker.

Design and Features of the AS565 Panther

Multiple Helibras HM-1 Pantera helicopters being put together in Brazil, 2004

The AS565 Panther is a medium-sized helicopter with two engines. It can fly many different missions for navies and armies. These missions include keeping the seas safe and performing search and rescue (SAR) operations. It can also help move injured people (CASEVAC) and deliver supplies. Other jobs include watching over areas and helping special forces teams. It can also find and fight submarines (ASW) and ships (ASuW).

The Panther is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel turboshaft engines. These engines turn the main rotor blades. It also has a special tail rotor called a fenestron. This is a fan-like device built into the tail, which helps control the helicopter. Pilots say the Panther is easy to fly and very stable.

When set up to carry troops, the Panther can hold up to 10 fully armed soldiers. This is in addition to the two pilots. The main cabin can be quickly changed for different missions. It can carry troops, do rescue missions, or act as an air ambulance. Special equipment can be added, like a medical kit or a camera that sees heat (FLIR). It can also have emergency floats, a loudspeaker, a rescue hoist, and a searchlight.

The Panther has many advanced electronic systems. Some versions have a modern glass cockpit. This means the old dials are replaced with computer screens. These screens show important information about the helicopter and its engines. The Panther also has systems to avoid collisions with other aircraft (TCAS). It can warn pilots about dangerous terrain (H-TAWS). It also has an advanced autopilot system. This system helps the pilots fly the helicopter. It also has a special radar to search for things. The cockpit was designed to make the pilots' jobs easier. It also has extra space for future upgrades.

Panthers used for finding submarines have a special sonar system. This is called the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS). It's a "dipping sonar" that can be lowered into the water. It can find submarines up to 500 meters (about 1,640 feet) deep. Airbus Helicopters says the Panther can land on over 100 types of NATO ships. Its small size means it can even operate from smaller ships like corvettes. Some Panthers have a special "Harpoon" device. This helps them land safely on ships in rough seas.

The Panther can carry different weapons depending on its mission. It can have 20mm cannons or rocket pods. It can also carry up to eight Mistral air-to-air missiles. These missiles are used to shoot down other aircraft. Or it can carry up to eight HOT anti-tank missiles. These are used to destroy tanks. All these weapons can be attached to a special beam under the helicopter.

To make the Panther harder to detect, it has a reduced radar signature. This means it's harder for radar to see it. This is because it uses special strong, light materials (composites) in its body. The fenestron tail also helps reduce its radar signature. Special paints that reduce heat (infrared) are used. Devices are also installed on the engines to reduce their heat signature. This makes the helicopter harder to see with heat-sensing equipment. The Panther also has self-sealing fuel tanks. These tanks can fix themselves if they get a small hole. The crew seats are also armored to protect the pilots.

Operational History of the AS565 Panther

Panther in flight; notice the disc-shaped ASW array under the nose

The French Naval Aviation received 15 Panthers between 1993 and 1998. They used them for missions at sea. Since 2008, Panthers have been used on French ships to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden. This is part of a European operation called Operation Atalanta. In this area, Panthers are used for patrols, watching, and carrying troops. They help transport special teams and bring back people who have been captured.

In May 2009, France announced a big upgrade for their Panther fleet. This upgrade focused on improving the cockpit and adding better defense and attack systems. The changes included a new glass cockpit that works with night vision goggles (NVG). They also added new sensors and a radio that resists jamming. A data-link system and a self-protection system were also added. On May 31, 2011, the first of 16 upgraded Panthers was given back to the French Navy.

In 1988, the Brazilian Army Aviation Command received its first Panther helicopter. This helicopter was made locally by a company called Helibras. In January 2010, Helibras was given a contract to upgrade 34 Panthers. These helicopters were upgraded to a new standard called AS365 K2. The upgraded Panther K2s have new engines that are 40% more powerful. They also have a glass cockpit with new electronics and radios. A four-axis autopilot and a new weather radar were also added. These changes make the helicopter easier to fly and extend its life by 25 years. In March 2014, the first two Panther K2 helicopters were given to the Brazilian Army. In September 2014, the Panther K2 passed its tests. It showed it was available to fly 98% of the time during the trials. This cleared the way for the full upgrade program to continue.

Israeli AS565MA Atalef, 2007

The Israeli Air Force bought five AS565MA helicopters. They called them Atalef. These helicopters help Israel's defense forces reach further out to sea. They can be used on board the Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 5-class corvettes. The helicopters have long-range sensors to find targets in the Mediterranean Sea. They also have a data-link to send information to the corvettes. Their combined sensing ability has helped stop several dangerous situations. The AS565MA is the only helicopter in Israeli service that can find people at sea day or night. It can also operate in almost all sea conditions.

During the Gulf War, the Royal Saudi Navy used Panther helicopters. They attacked five Iraqi patrol boats. A total of 15 AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles were fired. As of 2015, more than 250 naval versions of the AS 565MB Panther were being used by countries around the world.

In 2014, the Indonesian Navy decided to buy 11 Panthers equipped for anti-submarine warfare. Airbus Helicopters makes the basic helicopter. Then, another company in Indonesia installs the special mission systems. In Asia, the Panther has not sold as much. This is partly because of competition from the Chinese-built Harbin Z-9. The Z-9 is also a version of the Dauphin helicopter, like the Panther.

In January 2022, an Israeli Air Force AS565MA crashed off Israel's coast. Two pilots died in the accident. A third crew member, a naval officer, survived with injuries. An Israeli Air Force official said an engine problem caused the crash.

Different Types of Panther Helicopters (Variants)

A Mexican marine AS565 hovers over the deck of Frankfurt Am Main during a multi-national exercise

SA 365M Panther: This was the first military prototype. It flew for the first time on February 29, 1984.

SA 365 K: This was the first version of the Panther made for sale. It was based on the AS365 N2. It could carry different weapons, like 20 mm cannons or rocket pods.

AS565 UA: This is an unarmed military version. It is used for scouting, transport, and search and rescue. It can use either the Arriel 1M1 or 2C engines.

AS565 UB: This is a utility version of the AS365 N3. It is still being made today. It has two Turbomeca Arriel 2C engines with special digital controls. Its main jobs are carrying 8 to 10 fully equipped troops, helping injured people, and providing supplies.

AS565 AA: This is an armed military version for battles. It can carry air-to-air weapons. These include 20-mm cannon pods, rockets, or up to eight Mistral air-to-air missiles. It can use either the Arriel 1M1 or 2C engines.

AS565 MA: This is a multi-purpose unarmed naval version. It is used for sea patrols, search and rescue (with a hoist), or watching over areas. It can use either the Arriel 1M1 or 2C engines.

A Brazilian Army Panther

AS565 MB: This is a naval transport and search and rescue version of the AS365 N3. It can carry various weapons. These include a 20mm cannon inside the cabin, AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes for fighting submarines.

AS565 SA: This is a multi-purpose armed naval version. It is used for anti-submarine warfare using sonar or other detection methods. It also does search and rescue and surveillance. It can use either the Arriel 1M1 or 2C engines.

AS565 CA: This is an armed military version for fighting armored vehicles. It has a special sight on the roof and HOT missiles. It can use either the Arriel 1M1 or 2C engines.

AS565 MBe: This is an improved version of the MB. It can carry more weight and has folding main rotors and tailfin. It uses Arriel 2N engines and new electronics. It was first made for the Mexican Navy.

A Chinese Harbin Z-9 lands on HMS Cornwall

HM-1 Pantera: This version is based on the AS565 AA. It is made by Helibras for the Brazilian Army.

Harbin Z-9: The Harbin Z-9 and its different types are built under license by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. They are made for the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Who Uses the AS565 Panther? (Operators)

Brazil

Brazilian Army

Bulgaria

Israeli Air Force AS565 is secured down to the deck of USS Laboon

Bulgarian Navy

France

French Naval Aviation

Indonesia

Indonesian Navy

Israel

Israeli Air Force (used by the Israeli Navy)

Mexico

Mexican Navy

Morocco

Royal Moroccan Navy

An AS565 of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces

South Korea

Korea Coast Guard

Saudi Arabia

Royal Saudi Naval Forces

Turkmenistan

Turkmen Air Force

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Air Force

AS565 MB Panther Specifications

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 2C turboshaft, 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 cannon pods.
Rockets: 68 mm or 70 mm unguided rockets.
Missiles:
- Matra Mistral air-to-air missiles.
- AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles.
- HOT anti-tank missiles.
- Mk46 or Whitehead A.244/S anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.