11 DECEMBER 2017
Airbus Helicopters has completed the deliveries of the
final two AS565 MBe Panther helicopters to the Mexican Navy.
The Mexican Navy is the first naval force to launch the
new version of the Airbus aircraft and the delivery follows an order for a
total of ten AS565 MBe Panther helicopters, which was originally placed in
2014.
The first four helicopters were delivered last year,
while the remaining six were supplied earlier this year.
“It is a modern, multi-mission helicopter
that we can use in both maritime and land environments for a wide range of
missions.”
AS565 MBe Panther helicopters are capable of conducting
an average of 300 flight hours for reconnaissance, patrol missions and training
flights.
The aircraft are currently stationed at three naval bases
in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Sonora and Michoacan respectively.
Mexican Navy Naval Aviation general director admiral Jose
Maria Garcia Macedo said: “The arrival of the MBe Panther has enhanced the Navy
Aviation’s operational capabilities.
“It is a modern, multi-mission helicopter that we can use
in both maritime and land environments for a wide range of missions, including
maritime search and rescue (SAR), disaster relief, external load operations and
even air ambulance.”
AS565 MBe Panther aircraft use a variety of advanced
mission equipment such as a cargo hooks, rescue hoists and a forward-looking
infrared (FLIR) for night-time rescue missions to allow them to conduct a
wide range of operations effectively and easily.
They also comprise a total of four stretchers each for
medical evacuation purposes.
In addition, the new Panther helicopter features two
Safran Arriel 2N engines in order to improve the aircraft’s performance in hot
and high conditions, as well as allow it to attain a top speed of 278km/h and a
maximum range of 780km.
MBe Panther aircraft are also equipped with a new main
gearbox, advanced tail rotor and four-axis autopilot that minimises the crew’s
workload and improves performance during demanding missions such as SAR.
Original post: naval-technology.com
AS565 Panther: Details
No comments:
Post a Comment