AS 565 Panther
SA 360 Dauphin 2
Z-9 / WZ-9

The Dauphin 2 is a medium weight multipurpose civil twin-engine helicopter. The Dauphin 2 is the military version of the Dauphin series. It is a complete redesign of the civilian Dauphin with only tail similarities remaining. The Dauphin 2 also has retractable landing gear as opposed to the fixed gear on the civilian Dauphin. It is built by the EUROCOPTER Group, owned 70% by AEROSPATIALE France and 30% by Daimler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany.

First flown in 1973, this single engined utility helicopter was used in a variety of roles including helicopter gunship/attack. Designed for transporting passengers (Offshore, corporate or VIP) and for carrying out missions in the Public Services (Police, Fire- fighting).

The AS 565 Panther is the military version of the Dauphin, capable of transporting 8 to 10 commandos to the combat zones, casualty evacuation and logisitic support. The AS 565 SB is the armed version of the shipborne Panther. It can be carried on board a combat vessel to improve the vessel's observation, reconnaissance and attack capabilities well beyond the range of the vessel's detection system.

With a four-blade main rotor, two turboshaft engines are ounted side by side on top of the cabin with an air intake on side of motor hump and exhausts at the rear of the hump. The teardrop-shaped body features a tapered boom to the tail fin, a rounded nose and stepped-up cockpit, and retractable gear and flat bottom. The tail flats feature swept-back tips forward of the swept-back and tapered fin with a blunt tip. The rotor is inside a housing at the bottom of the fin. A weapons carrying platform is installed on some models.

The AS565 MBe naval version of Airbus� Panther family of helicopters is an all-weather, multi-role medium rotorcraft, designed for operation from ship decks, offshore locations and land-based sites. It is made for a multitude of naval and coast guard missions such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, offshore patrolling and counter-terrorism.

The AS565 MBe is powered by two Safran Arriel 2N turboshaft engines for reliable performance in high and hot conditions. It features modern cockpit avionics that include an automatic flight control system (AFCS) and flight management system. Some 250 helicopters in the Panther/Dauphin family are operated by maritime customers in more than 20 countries, including the US Coast Guard�s fleet of around 100 MH-65s.

Enhancing the AS565 MBe�s mission capabilities are its advanced avionics and systems, including multifunction and tactical displays for the crew, while the FADEC full authority digital engine control system and vehicle and engine management display (VEMD) improve safety and reduce pilot workload.

Modular mechanical assembly design � along with fiberglass Starflex rotor heads, composite tail rotor blades and airframe � contribute to significant reductions in maintenance time and costs. Additionally, the AS565 MBe incorporates a new-generation, 100-percent composite Fenestron� shrouded tail rotor, which provides high manoeuvrability, low external sound levels, and optimal safety for passengers, ground and air crews.

The AS565 MBe is fully qualified to operate from over 100 classes of NATO ships, and complies with NATO standardisation agreements (STANAGs) regarding tie-down fittings, fuel hoses and DC/AC electrical connectors. The helicopter�s use of a hydraulically-activated harpoon with deck-lock securing enables the AS565 MBe to land and take off from ship decks regardless of the wind direction.

For its deployment from ships, forward bases and other remote locations, the AS565 MBe is designed for simple and safe maintenance access. Replacement times are rapid for such assemblies as the engine, main rotor gearbox and blades, as well as main and tail rotor hubs. Also contributing to the serviceability are easy operational maintenance features such as fast lubrication of the main rotor head and tail rotor.