Airbus Helicopters delivered the first three of 11 AS565 MBe Panther helicopters to Indonesia at a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Marignane, France, the company said Nov. 22.
The ceremony included representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence and Navy.
The AS565 MBe operates as a light/medium anti-submarine warfare platform and has two Safran Arriel 2N engines, a top speed of 165 kt, and a range of nearly 485 miles.
The delivery is part of a late 2014 contract signature with PT Dirgantara Indonesia for 11 AS565 MBe helicopters. The remaining eight unbits are set to be delivered through 2018. Under the contract agreement, Airbus is to supply AS565 MBe helicopters to its Indonesia industrial partner PT Dirgantara Indonesia, who will then reassemble and outfit the helicopters in Indonesia. PT Dirgantara Indonesia will act as the design authority.
Airbus highlighted this covers the installation of an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite, including a dipping sonar and torpedo launch systems.
“We are excited to witness the handover of the first three AS565 MBe helicopters to our partner today. 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 4,500kg [9921 pounds],” Janick Blanc, head Airbus Helicopter’s Panther program, said in a statement.
“We have been working with Airbus Helicopters on numerous projects for many years by now, and this milestone today further illustrates the commitment both companies have towards this programme. We look forward to receiving these green helicopters in Bandung, as we ready to start the installation of the mission equipment, and the subsequent qualification and certification of our future anti-submarine warfare helicopters,” Budi Santoso, CEO and president of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, added.