The Panther: Synonymous with Outstanding Performance
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
The AS 565 UB Panther is a twin-engine helicopter in the intermediate 4,300 kg all-up weight class. It combines outstanding performance with an extensive mission capability in the worst possible weather conditions.
The Panther embodies the very latest technological advances. Corrosion-insensitive composite materials are widely employed, and its dynamic components are modular. Its twin Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines each develop 977 shp (super contingency rating), and are governed by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
The FADEC system gives the Panther an undeniable edge over its competitors, which are not equipped with such a system. The advantages of FADEC are enhanced performance, improved engine lifetime, and greater safety due to lower crew workload. This last factor is particularly appreciable in a combat environment.
At sea level, the Panther can take off at its maximum weight, out of ground effect, in outside air temperatures up to 45 °C.
The Panther can carry out the following missions:
Tactical Transport with 8-10 commandos aboard.
Sling Transport with external loads up to 1,600 kg
The Panther can also operate from fast patrol boats, corvettes, and frigates to perform the following missions:
Maritime Surveillance with a maximum endurance of more than 4 hours. The RDR 1500 radar gives the Panther all weather mission capabilities.
Combat Search And Rescue by helihoist pickup of aircrews downed behind enemy lines. A side-mounted 20 mm gun provides protection.
Search And Rescue using a variable speed hoist with a lifting capacity of 275 kg, and 90 meters of cable.
An extensive mission equipment package (MEP) helps the Panther perform its multiple missions. The MEP includes:
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A 4-axis autopilot with coupler
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A self-contained NADIR navigation system coupled to a GPS receiver
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A pod-mounted or nose-mounted Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) system
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A surveillance radar
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A radar warning receiver
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A chaff dispenser (IR and electromagnetic)
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V/UHF and HF radio sets with Link 11 type system and encryption
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IFF
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Radio navigation equipment
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Emergency flotation gear
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Pressure refueling system
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Quick deck mooring system
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Hoist.
Compared to the other helicopters in its category, the AS 565 UB Panther offers enhanced hot-weather performance, more recent technology, plus unrivalled reliability, availability, and effectiveness.
The Panther also reflects the experience gained by its civil counterpart in numerous missions for the offshore sector.
The French Navy operates 18 Panthers. Helicopters from the Panther/Dauphin family have also been selected by the Brazilian Army [AVEX] (35 machines), Saudi Arabia (31), the United Arab Emirates (13), the US Coast Guard (100), the Irish Air Corps (5), and the Icelandic Coast Guard (1).
And for the record, 750 Dauphin/Panther/EC 155 helicopters have been ordered by nearly 125 customers in 60 countries. The fleet in operation has logged more than 3.03 million flight hours.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro in 2001 and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defense technology and services.
For more detailed information, please contact:
Jean-Louis ESPES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 55
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France -
Christina GOTZHEIN
Tel: +49(0) 89 60 00 64 88
Fax: +49(0) 89 60 00 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
Chantal LINARES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France
Christoph MÜLLER
Tel: +49(0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49(0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web Site: www.eurocopter.com
