Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first three AS565 MBe Panther submarine hunter-killer helicopters to Indonesia.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first three AS565 MBe Panther submarine hunter-killer helicopters to Indonesia.
These helicopters will be outfitted with its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite which includes a dipping sonar and torpedo launch systems, by Airbus Helicopter's Indonesian industrial partner PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
PTDI will reassemble and outfit these rotorcraft in-country with mission equipment, acting as the design authority and carry out subsequent qualification and certification.
The contract to procure 11 AS565 MBe helicopters was signed in 2014. The delivery of the remaining helicopters will run through to 2018.
These helicopters will operate from the Indonesian Navy’s SIGMA 10514-class guided-missile corvettes and Bung Tomo-class corvettes.
The AS565 MBe has been developed using state-of-the-art processes and this enhanced variant of the Panther will benefit from an increased maximum take-off weight at 4,500 kg.
Recognised as one of the world’s most capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platforms, the AS565 MBe is equipped with two Safran Arriel 2N engines, which enhance the helicopter’s performance in high and hot conditions, while enabling it to achieve a top speed of 165 kt and a range of 780 kilometres.
It also boasts a new main gearbox, the latest-generation tail rotor and a 4-axis autopilot that reduces crew workload and makes the most demanding missions easier to perform.
