Mexican Navy receives final Panthers
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the final two AS565 MBe Panther helicopters to the Mexican Navy during a delivery ceremony in Marignane, France, the company announced on 6 December.
The Mexican Navy ordered ten units under a contract placed in 2014. The first four helicopters were delivered in 2016 and the remaining six during 2017.
The helicopters are stationed at three naval bases in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Sonora and Michoacan, where they are deployed for reconnaissance, patrol, maritime SAR, disaster relief, external load operations and air ambulance missions.
The Panther features a cargo hook, a rescue hoist, forward-looking infrared for night rescue missions and four stretchers for medical evacuation.
Equipped with two Safran Arriel 2N engines, the AS565 MBe helicopter can operate in hot and high conditions and achieve a top speed of 278km/h and a range of 780kms. The helicopter also features a new main gearbox, a latest-generation tail rotor and a four-axis autopilot that reduces crew workload and makes search and rescue operations easier.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
