The Eurocopter AS565 Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine attack 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 (MEDEVAC).
Variants of the Panther have included the following:
- 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 20mm cannon, 2.75in Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rockets (in pods of 19) or 68mm Thales Brandt rockets (in pods of 22).
- AS565 UA
- Utility version of the AS365 N2
- 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
- Attack version of the AS365 N2.
- AS565 AB
- Attack version of the AS365 N3.
- AS565 MA
- Naval search & rescue version of the AS365 N2.
- AS565 MB
- Naval search & rescue version of the AS365 N3, currently in production. The main missions of this version are anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), troop transport, logistic support, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC)/medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). This version is fitted with a quick-securing 'Harpoon' deck securing device that allows it to land on and take off from ships, whatever the relative wind direction. Offered with various armaments, including cabin-mounted 20mm cannon, AS 15 TT anti-shipping missile, Mark 46 torpedo and Whitehead A.244/S torpedo.
- The naval variant of the Eurocopter AS 565MB Panther is in service in the United Arab Emirates, the Icelandic Coast Guard, the armed forces of Saudi Arabia, the Israeli Defence Force, the Mexican Navy, the Chinese Navy and the French Navy. Armed and unarmed versions of the army variant of the helicopter are in service with the Brazilian Army.
- AS565 SA
- ASW version of the AS365 N2.
- AS565 SB
- ASW version of the AS365 N3.
- AS565 CA
- Anti-tank version of the AS365 N2, armed with HOT missiles.
- 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.
- HM-1 Panteras
- Helibras HM-1 Pantera is the designation of the Brazilian built AS565 built by Helibras in service with the Brazilian Army.
- Panther 800
- Version offered for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter program as a replacement for the UH-1 Huey, with 2 LHTEC T800 turboshafts. Test flown only.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
- Capacity: 10 commandos
- Length: 13.68 m (45.88ft)
- Rotor diameter: 11.94 m (39.17ft)
- Height: 3.97 m (13.02ft)
- Empty weight: 2,380 kg (5,247 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,300 kg (9,480 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshafts, 635 kW (851 shp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 306 km/h (165 knots, 190 mph)
- Ferry range: 827 km (514 mi)
- Service ceiling: 5,865 m (19,242 ft)
- Rate of climb: 8.9 m/s (29 ft/s)
Armament
- Guns: Giat M621 20 mm cannon pods.
- Rockets: 68 mm and 70 mm unguided rockets.
- Missiles:
- Matra Mistral air-to-air missiles.
- AS 15 TT anti-surface missiles.
- HOT anti-tank missiles.
- Mk46 or Whitehead A.244/S anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.
