IAI Panther
Israel Aerospace Industries · Israel · first flew 1994 · helicopter
The IAI Panther is an Israeli-modified naval variant of the Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopter, equipped by Israel Aerospace Industries with sensors, weapons, and systems for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue missions. It operates from Israeli Navy ships.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.73 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Israeli naval helicopter based on Eurocopter AS565
- Equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare
- Compact twin-turboshaft with folding rotor blades for shipboard stowage
Resembles the standard AS565 Panther airframe with a fenestron tail rotor, but identifiable in Israeli service by naval grey colour scheme and the additional sensor fairings and pylons.
Specifications
- The IAI Panther has a length of 13.73 m (45 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.94 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Israel selected the AS565 platform in the late 1980s and IAI integrated an indigenous sensor and weapons suite to create the Panther for the Israeli Navy. The helicopter entered service in the mid-1990s and has undergone successive upgrades.
Variants
The Israeli Panther is a systems integration variant of the AS565; IAI has offered upgraded versions with advanced radar and EW systems to export customers.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Israeli Navy from its surface combatants; not exported in significant numbers.
Related aircraft
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