View source for Eurocopter AS565 Panther

{{short description|Military utility helicopter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= AS565 Panther
 |image= File:French Navy Aircraft Lands on USS Arlington (cropped).jpg
 |caption= An AS565 Panther of the [[French Navy]] 
 |type= [[Utility helicopter|utility]] [[military helicopter]]
 |national_origin= France
 |manufacturer= [[Aérospatiale]]<br/>[[Eurocopter]]<br/>[[Airbus Helicopters]]
 |designer= 
 |first_flight= 28 February 1984
 |introduction= 1986
 |retired= 
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= [[French Naval Aviation]]
 |more_users= [[Brazilian Army]]<br/>[[Israeli Air Force]]<br/>[[Indonesian Navy]]
 |produced= 1984–2021
 |number_built=
 |developed_from= [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]]
 |variants = [[Harbin Z-9]]
}}

The '''Eurocopter''', later '''Airbus Helicopters''' '''AS565 Panther''' is the military version of the [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]] medium-weight multi-purpose twin-engine [[helicopter]]. The Panther is used for a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.

==Development==
During the 1980s, French aerospace firm [[Aerospatiale]] decided to develop a purpose-built military version of their [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]]. The civil SA365 N variant of the Dauphin was used as the starting point for the project; the new rotorcraft was designed to perform utility, [[Anti-tank warfare#Helicopter|anti-tank]], troop-transport, and maritime operations.<ref name = "mcgowen 163"/><ref name = "FI 1986"/> On 28 February 1984, the military variant prototype, designated as the AS365M and later named Panther, conducted its first flight.<ref name="brassey" /> A total of three prototypes were built.<ref name = "FI 1986"/>

In May 1986, Aerospatiale formally launched production of the AS365M, at which point the firm anticipated more than 400 Panthers to be sold in the long term.<ref name = "FI 1986">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%201025.html "Aerospatiale unleashes Panther."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208204355/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%201025.html |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 10 May 1986. p. 3.</ref> The first production model, which was initially designated as the AS365 K, was shortly re-designated and became widely known as the AS565 Panther.<ref name = "mcgowen 163">McGowen 2005, p. 163.</ref> Early models were powered by a pair of [[Turbomeca Arriel|Turbomeca Arriel 1M1]] [[turboshaft]] engines; in 1995, [[Eurocopter]] began offering higher powered versions of the Panther that used the new [[Turbomeca Arriel|Turbomeca Arriel 2C]] engine instead.<ref name = "FI 1995">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%201918.html "More power for Naval Panther."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090944/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%201918.html |date=4 March 2016 }} ''Flight International'', June 1995. p. 21.</ref>

In February 2016, Airbus Helicopters promised to relocate the global production line for the AS565 Panther to India if it is selected by the [[Indian Navy]] for a proposed utility helicopter acquisition.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-airbus-helicopters-targets-asian-sales-ex-422232/ "SINGAPORE: Airbus Helicopters targets Asian sales expansion."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307020044/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-airbus-helicopters-targets-asian-sales-ex-422232/ |date=7 March 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 22 February 2016.</ref><ref>Sanjai, P.R. [http://www.livemint.com/Companies/F0D0wYOK77ErwJ4dEIrZxN/Airbus-plans-global-hub-in-India-for-Panther-copters.html "Airbus plans global hub in India for Panther copters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316030204/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/F0D0wYOK77ErwJ4dEIrZxN/Airbus-plans-global-hub-in-India-for-Panther-copters.html |date=16 March 2016 }} ''Live Mint'', 15 March 2016.</ref> In April 2016, the production rate of the AS565 Panther was announced to have been substantially increased following a switch from a static production line to a task flow line, as well as a 30 per cent reduction in component lead times.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-helicopters-advances-panther-mbe-deliveries-424020/ "Airbus Helicopters advances Panther MBe deliveries."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416224146/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-helicopters-advances-panther-mbe-deliveries-424020/ |date=16 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 8 April 2016.</ref>

==Design==
[[File:BMS 005.jpg|thumb|Multiple [[Helibras]] HM-1 Pantera in various states of assembly in Brazil, 2004]]

The AS565 Panther is a twin-engine medium-sized multi-mission rotorcraft. It is capable of performing various naval and land-based missions, such as [[maritime security]], [[search and rescue]] (SAR), [[casualty evacuation]] (CASEVAC), [[vertical replenishment]], [[surveillance]], [[special forces|special forces operation]]s, [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) and [[Anti-surface warfare]] (ASuW).<ref name = "airbus mbe"/><ref name = "helib broch"/> The Panther is powered by a pair of [[Turbomeca Arriel]] [[turboshaft]] engines, which drives the rotorcraft's main rotor as well as the [[fenestron]] anti-torque tail rotor device.<ref name = "airbus mbe">[https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/docs_wsw/pdf/AS565%20MBe/AS565MBe-MP-1214E.pdf "AS565 MBe."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912052712/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/docs_wsw/pdf/AS565%20MBe/AS565MBe-MP-1214E.pdf |date=12 September 2015 }} ''Airbus Helicopters'', Retrieved: 8 December 2015.</ref><ref name = "north 31">Northham 1987, p. 31.</ref> The flight profile of the Panther has been described as being easy to manoeuver, possessing generous [[g-force]] limitations and a high level of stability.<ref>Northham 1987, pp. 31–32.</ref>

In the commando-transport configuration, the Panther may carry up to 10 fully armed soldiers on board at a time in addition to the two pilots flying the aircraft.<ref name = "north 30"/> The main cabin can be rapidly reconfigured to conduct various roles, such as troop-transport, SAR, and MEDIVAC missions; optional equipment includes a full medical suite, [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) camera, emergency flotation, [[loudspeaker]], variable-speed hoist, cargo sling, [[search light]], and a stretcher-support structure.<ref name = "helib broch"/>

Various avionics are present upon the Panther; some variants are fitted with the advanced human-machine interface (HMI) [[glass cockpit]]. It features the vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD), integrated electronic standby instrument (ESI), usage monitoring system (UMS), [[traffic collision avoidance system]] (TCAS), [[terrain awareness and warning system]] (H-TAWS), and dedicated mission display coupled with a multi-sensor processor, a 4-axis [[Aircraft flight control system|automatic flight control system]] (AFCS), [[flight management system]] (FMS), and an advanced [[Radar configurations and types#Detection and search radars|search radar]].<ref name = "airbus mbe"/><ref name = "helib broch"/> The design of the cockpit and avionics systems, such as the engine management system, provides a high level of automation as part of an effort to reduce workload upon the pilots.<ref name = "north 32">Northham 1987, p. 32.</ref> The cockpit was deliberately designed with extra panel space to accommodate future upgrades and additional instrumentation that may be installed.<ref name = "north 30"/>

The principle element of ASW-configured Panthers is the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar ([[HELRAS]]), a [[Sonar#Aircraft|dipping sonar]] equipped with a descending array of seven projection elements and a receiving array equipped with eight extending arms, which is capable of detecting submarines up to 500 meters below the water's surface.<ref name = "defense 2014"/> According to Airbus Helicopters, the Panther family has been qualified to operate from the flight decks of over 100 classes of [[NATO]] vessels, and complies with NATO standardization agreements.<ref name = "airbus maritime">[https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Maritime_66.html "Aircraft: Light and medium helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926100456/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/ref/Maritime_66.html |date=26 September 2015 }} ''Airbus Helicopters'', Retrieved: 7 December 2015.</ref> The compact size of the Panther has enabled the type to be operated from smaller ocean-going vessels such as [[corvette]]s.<ref name = "defense 2014"/> To aid in shipboard landings under rough sea conditions and high winds, some variants can be furnished with the hydraulic ''Harpoon'' deck-lock securing device.<ref name="helib broch">[https://www.helibras.com.br/wp-content/themes/duesc/extras/pdf/AS565MB.pdf "AS565MB."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903065649/http://www.helibras.com.br/wp-content/themes/duesc/extras/pdf/AS565MB.pdf |date=3 September 2014 }} ''Helibras'', Retrieved: 8 December 2015.</ref>

The Panther can be armed with several different sets of munitions and armaments, dependent upon the intended role. Munitions include 20mm pod-mounted [[Cannon#Aircraft use|cannon]]s, 68mm rocket pods, a maximum of eight [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]] [[air-to-air missile]]s, or a maximum of eight [[HOT (missile)|HOT]] [[anti-tank missile]]s; all of which can be mounted onto a universal weapon support beam.<ref name = "north 30"/> The weapon systems are integrated with a Crouzet HDH-2A electronic sight and the autopilot, the latter of which provides automatic flight handling assistance during weapons deployment to avoid negative tendencies such as nose droop.<ref name = "north 30"/> For improved survivability, the [[radar signature]] is reduced due to the use of [[composite materials]] across the airframe and the use of the fenestron tail rather than a conventional tail rotor; low [[infrared]] paints are also typically applied to the exterior surfaces and jet exhaust dilution devices are installed on the engines to reduce the Panther's infrared signature. Damage resistance is increased by the adoption of [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s and armor-plated crew seating.<ref name = "north 30">Northham 1987, p. 30.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:US Navy 081116-N-4236E-158 An AS-565MB Panther conducts deck landing qualifications with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).jpg|thumb|Panther in flight; note the surface search radome under the nose]]

The [[French Naval Aviation]] took delivery of 15 Panthers between 1993 and 1998 for maritime operations.<ref>"Strategic Digest." ''Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses'', 1993. Volume 23, Issues 1–6 p. 157.</ref> As a response to increasing acts of [[piracy]] in the [[Gulf of Aden]], since 2008, Panthers have been routinely dispatched upon multiple French frigates that have conducted deployments in support of [[Operation Atalanta]], a long term pan-European counter-piracy operation. In the Aden, the Panther has been typically used for maritime patrol, surveillance and troop-transport missions, such as the transportation of strike teams and the retrieval of detainees.<ref>Whittle, Richard. [http://www.aviationtoday.com/regions/usa/High-Sea-Piracy-Crisis-in-Aden_32500.html#.VmYiWcsnyUk "High Sea Piracy: Crisis in Aden."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208194926/http://www.aviationtoday.com/regions/usa/High-Sea-Piracy-Crisis-in-Aden_32500.html |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Aviation Today'', 1 June 2009.</ref><ref>[http://eunavfor.eu/fs-guepratte-joines-eu-counter-piracy-forces-operation-atalanta/ "FS Guépratte joins EU Counter Piracy Forces Operation Atalanta."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208190427/http://eunavfor.eu/fs-guepratte-joines-eu-counter-piracy-forces-operation-atalanta/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''European External Action Service'', 25 April 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/world/africa/11iht-yacht.4.11921315.html?_r=0 "French troops seize Somali pirates after hostages are freed."] ''The New York Times'', 11 April 2008.</ref>

In May 2009, France announced a major mid-life upgrade program for the Aeronavale's Panther fleet, focused on cockpit upgrades and improved defensive/offensive equipment. The additions and alterations include a new [[glass cockpit]] compatible with [[night vision goggles]] (NVG), [[electro-optics|electro-optical]] sensors, a new anti-jamming radio, [[Link 11]] data-link, and a self-protection system based on that used on the [[Eurocopter Tiger]].<ref>Kieran, Daly. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-navy-unveils-major-upgrade-for-panther-helico-326794/ "French navy unveils major upgrade for Panther helicopter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114040/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-navy-unveils-major-upgrade-for-panther-helico-326794/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 24 May 2009.</ref> On 31 May 2011, the first of 16 ''Standard 2'' Panthers was delivered back to the French Navy.<ref>Osborne, Tony. [https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/first-panther-standard-2-delivered-to-fr/ "First Panther 'Standard 2' delivered to French Navy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208194604/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/first-panther-standard-2-delivered-to-fr/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''RotorHub'', 38 June 2011.</ref>

In 1988, the [[Brazilian Army Aviation Command]] took delivery of its first Panther helicopter, which was produced locally by [[Helibras]]. In January 2010, Helibras was awarded a contact to upgrade 34 AS365K Panthers to the new AS365 K2 standard.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/helibras-to-upgrade-brazilian-army-panthers-336976/ "Helibras to upgrade Brazilian army Panthers."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131113/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/helibras-to-upgrade-brazilian-army-panthers-336976/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 11 January 2010.</ref> Changes on the Panther K2 include new [[Turbomeca Arriel|Turbomeca Arriel 2C2CG]] engines which produce 40% more power, a glass cockpit containing new avionics and radio systems, a four-axis autopilot, a new [[weather radar]], NVG-compatibility, and measures to reduce pilot workload, and shall extend the airframe's service life for a further 25 years.<ref name = "upi 2014">Tomkins, Richard. [http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2014/09/17/Modernization-of-Brazilian-Army-helicopters-to-continue/6431410922403/ "Modernization of Brazilian Army helicopters to continue."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208191017/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2014/09/17/Modernization-of-Brazilian-Army-helicopters-to-continue/6431410922403/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''United Press International'', 17 September 2014.</ref> In March 2014, the first two Panther K2 rotorcraft were delivered to the Brazilian Army.<ref>[https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Helibras-begins-deliveries-of-upgraded-AS365-Panther-K2-helicopters-to-the-Brazilian-Army_1427.html "Helibras begins deliveries of upgraded AS365 Panther K2 helicopters to the Brazilian Army."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208192852/https://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Helibras-begins-deliveries-of-upgraded-AS365-Panther-K2-helicopters-to-the-Brazilian-Army_1427.html |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Airbus Helicopters'', 13 March 2014.</ref> In September 2014, the Panther K2 passed its technical operation evaluation, having reportedly demonstrated a 98% availability rating throughout the trial period, clearing the way for the full modernisation program to proceed.<ref name = "upi 2014"/>

[[File:IAF-AS-565.jpg|thumb|left|Israeli AS565MA Atalef, 2007]]
Following positive experiences of operating a pair of [[Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin|Aerospatiale SA366G Dauphins]], the [[Israeli Air Force]] opted to procure five AS565MA helicopters, locally designated as ''Atalef''.<ref name=Israel>{{cite book|last=Norton|first=Bill|title=Air War on the Edge – A History of the Israel Air Force and its Aircraft since 1947|publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing|Midland Publishing]]|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q84hAQAAIAAJ|isbn=1-85780-088-5|location=Surrey, UK|pages=347–349|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117132513/https://books.google.com/books?id=q84hAQAAIAAJ|archive-date=17 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Their mission is to extend the naval reach of Israel's defense forces, they can be deployed on board the [[Israeli Navy]]'s [[Sa'ar 5-class corvette]]s when required; the rotorcraft are equipped with long range sensors to identify targets in the [[Mediterranean]] and a datalink to convey sensory data to the corvettes,<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%201466.html "Israel's AS.565 Panther inherits Hellstar sensors."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123323/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%201466.html |date=22 December 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 21 June 1994. p. 18.</ref> their combined sensory capability has reportedly helped foil several attempted [[terrorist]] attacks.<ref name = "long sighted">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/long-sighted-178739/ "Long sighted."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208110725/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/long-sighted-178739/ |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 9 March 2004.</ref> The AS565MA is the only rotorcraft in Israeli service capable of locating people at sea during day or night conditions, and can operate in nearly all sea conditions.<ref name = "long sighted"/>

During the [[Gulf War]], the [[Royal Saudi Navy]] engaged five [[Iraq]]i patrol boats using a number of Panther helicopters, a total of 15 [[AS 15 TT]] [[Anti-ship missile]]s were fired.<ref name="Norman">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l-DzknmTgDUC&pg=PA225 |title=Naval Institute's guide to World naval weapon systems 1997-1998 |first1=Norman |last1=Friedman |editor=Naval Institute press (Annapolis, MD) |year=1997 |pages=224–225 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=1-55750-268-4}}</ref> As of 2015, more than 250 navalised variants of the AS 565MB Panther have been in service with operators across 20 nations.<ref name = "airbus maritime"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/as565-panther/|title=AS 565MB Panther Mulitrole Naval Helicopter - Naval Technology|access-date=12 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119002824/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/as565-panther/|archive-date=19 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, the [[Indonesian Navy]] opted to procure 11 ASW-equipped Panthers through [[Indonesian Aerospace]] (PTDI); Airbus Helicopters shall produce the base rotorcraft and deliver them to PTDI's facility in [[Bandung]], [[Indonesia]] and separately install mission systems such as the ASW suite. In the Asian market, the European-built Panther has had limited sales mainly due to export competition from the Chinese-built [[Harbin Z-9]], itself a license-built derivative of the Dauphin alike to the Panther.<ref name = "defense 2014">Waldron, Greg. [http://defense-update.com/20141105_as565mbe.html#.VmXQt8snyUl "Panthers to assume ASW role in Indonesia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208121013/http://defense-update.com/20141105_as565mbe.html#.VmXQt8snyUl |date=8 December 2015 }} ''Defense Update'', 5 November 2014.</ref><ref name = "fi indo 2014">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indonesian-navy-stalks-as565-panther-deal-398880/ "Indonesian navy stalks AS565 Panther deal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928052541/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indonesian-navy-stalks-as565-panther-deal-398880/ |date=28 September 2015 }} ''Flight International'', 5 May 2014.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Marina-Panther-Unitasgold (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [[Naval Infantry Force|Mexican marine]] AS565 hovers over the deck of [[Berlin-class replenishment ship|''Frankfurt Am Main'']] during multi-national exercise]]
;SA 365M Panther
:Prototype military variant first flown on 29 February 1984.<ref name="brassey">Taylor 1996, pp. 368–370.</ref>

;SA 365 FK
:Original designation of SA 365 K.

;SA 365 K
:The first version of the Panther, based on the AS365 N2. Offered with various armaments, including podded [[M621 cannon|Giat M621]] 20 mm cannon, 2.75 in Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rockets (in pods of 19) or 68mm Thales Brandt rockets (in pods of 22).

;AS565 UA
:Unarmed military utility variant for reconnaissance, transportation and search and rescue. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.<ref name="brassey" />
;AS565 UB
:Utility version of the AS365 N3, currently in production.  This version is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2C [[turboshaft]]s, which are equipped with [[FADEC|full authority digital engine control]] (FADEC). The main missions of this version are transport of 8 to 10 fully equipped troops, casualty evacuation and logistic support.

;AS565 AA
:Armed military battlefield variant, can be armed with air-to-air weapons including 20-mm canon pods, rockets or up to eight [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]] air-to-air missiles. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.<ref name="brassey" />

;AS565 AB
:Attack version of the AS365 N3.

;AS565 MA
:Multi-purpose unarmed naval variant for maritime patrol, search & rescue (fitted with a hoist) or a surveillance. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.<ref name="brassey" />
[[File:Helicóptero Pantera HM-1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A [[Brazilian Army]] Panther]]
;AS565 MB
:Maritime transport and search & rescue version of the AS365 N3.<ref name = "FI 1995"/> Offered with various armaments, including cabin-mounted 20mm cannon, [[AS 15 TT]] [[anti-ship missile]], [[Mark 46 torpedo]] and Whitehead A.244/S torpedo.

;AS565 SA
:Multi-purpose armed naval variant for anti-submarine warfare using either Sonar or MAD, search and rescue and surveillance roles. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.<ref name="brassey" />

;AS565 SB
:Surveillance and ASuW version of the AS365 N3.<ref name = "FI 1995"/>

;AS565 CA
:Armed military anti-armour variant with roof-mounted sight and [[Euromissile HOT|HOT missile]]s. Can use either Arriel 1M1 or 2C turboshaft engines.<ref name="brassey" />

;AS565 N3
:Maritime patrol and surveillance version of the AS365 N3 for the [[Hellenic Coast Guard]]

;AS565 SC
:Search and rescue version for Saudi Arabia.

;AS565 MBe
:Improved MB with an increased payload, folding main rotors and tailfin, Arriel 2N engines and new avionics. Initially for the Mexican Navy.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Flight International]]|title=Enhanced Panther speeds for Mexico|date=11–17 October 2016|page=17|issue=5558|issn=0015-3710}}</ref>
[[File:Chinese Helicopter Lands on HMS Cornwall MOD 45150752.jpg|thumb|right|A Chinese Harbin Z-9 lands on {{HMS|Cornwall|F99|6}}]]
;HM-1 Pantera
:Based on the AS565 AA, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters subsidiary [[Helibras]] for the [[Brazilian Army]].<ref>[http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/jhms/jhms5007.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Eurocopter%20365%20Dauphin&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JHMS& "Eurocopter AS 365 Dauphin and AS 565 Panther (International)"]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [subscription article]. ''Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems''. Jane's Information Group, 17 March 2011.</ref>

;Panther 800
:Version offered for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter program as a replacement for the [[UH-1 Huey]], with 2 [[LHTEC T800]] turboshafts. Test flown only.<ref>[http://www.voughtaircraft.com/heritage/products/html/panther800.html Vought Panther 800 LUH page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026010656/http://www.voughtaircraft.com/heritage/products/html/panther800.html |date=26 October 2007 }}</ref><ref>"Panther 800 Helicopter." ''Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology'', 1991. p. 8.</ref>

;[[Harbin Z-9]]
:The Harbin Z-9 and its variants are [[license-built]] by [[Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation]] for the Chinese [[People's Liberation Army]].

==Operators==
;[[File:Eurocopter AS565 Panther Users.png|thumb|Map with AS565 Panther operators in blue]]{{BRA}}
*[[Brazilian Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://helihub.com/2010/01/07/brazilian-army-upgrades-its-as565k-panther-fleet/ |title= Brazilian Army upgrades its AS565K Panther fleet |date= 7 January 2010 |publisher= 2012 Helihub.com |access-date= 2 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130703023536/http://helihub.com/2010/01/07/brazilian-army-upgrades-its-as565k-panther-fleet/ |archive-date= 3 July 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref> 
;{{BUL}}
*[[Bulgarian Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web|url =https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title =World Air Forces 2018|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2018|access-date =31 July 2018|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|archive-date =6 February 2018|url-status =live}}</ref> 
;{{FRA}}
*[[French Naval Aviation]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> 
;{{IDN}}
*[[Indonesian Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-delivers-first-three-AS565-MBe-Panther-to-Indonesia_2046.html |title=Airbus Helicopters delivers first three AS565 MBe Panther to Indonesia|date=23 November 2016 |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124091542/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-delivers-first-three-AS565-MBe-Panther-to-Indonesia_2046.html |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
;{{ISR}}
*[[Israeli Air Force]] (used by the [[Israeli Navy]]).<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> To be replaced by the [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60 Seahawk]].
[[File:Israeli AS565.jpg|thumb|right|[[Israeli Air Force]] AS565 is secured down to the deck of {{USS|Laboon}}]]
;{{MEX}}
*[[Mexican Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> 
;{{MAR}}
*[[Royal Moroccan Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>   
[[File:Royal Saudi Navy AS565 Panther.jpg|right|thumb|An AS565 of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces]]
;{{KOR}} 
*[[Korea Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/South-Korea-Coast-Guard/Eurocopter-AS-565MB-Panther/2113700|title=Aviation Photo #2113700: Eurocopter AS-565MB Panther - South Korea - Coast Guard|website=Airliners.net|access-date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324224045/http://www.airliners.net/photo/South-Korea-Coast-Guard/Eurocopter-AS-565MB-Panther/2113700|archive-date=24 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{KSA}}
*[[Royal Saudi Naval Forces]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/> 
;{{TKM}}
*[[Turkmen Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|author1=Hərbi TV|title=Turkmenistan Military Parade 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkGQUCXgeD0|website=YouTube|access-date=7 August 2017|location=Ashgabat|language=tk|date=31 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015160440/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkGQUCXgeD0|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{UAE}}
*[[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>

==Specifications (AS365 MB Panther)==
[[File:Europcopter AS565 Panther orthographical image.svg|420px|right]]
{{External media|topic= |width=18% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvNKa_V-32Y French Navy Panther taxiing and taking off] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gidEs29QfuM Footage of Panther operations] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWuaWGjaNx8 AS565 Panther overview]}}
{{Aircraft specs
|ref={{citation needed|date=December 2011}}
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1 or 2 pilots
|capacity=10 troops
|length m=13.68
|height m=3.97
|empty weight kg=2,380
|max takeoff weight kg=4,300
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Turboméca Arriel 2C]]
|eng1 type=turboshaft
|eng1 kw=635<!-- prop engines -->

|rot number=1<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia m=11.94<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqm=111.98<!-- helicopters -->
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=306
|endurance= 4.1 hours
|range km= 827
|ceiling m=5,865
|climb rate ms=8.9
<!--
        Armament
-->

|guns= [[M621 cannon]] {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on|3}} cannon pods. 
|rockets=  {{convert|68|mm|in|abbr=on|3}} or  {{convert|70|mm|in|abbr=on|3}} unguided [[rocket]]s.
|missiles=<br/>
** Matra [[Mistral missile|Mistral]] air-to-air [[missile]]s. 
** [[AS 15 TT]] anti-ship missiles.
** [[Euromissile HOT|HOT]] anti-tank missiles.  
** [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mk46]] or Whitehead A.244/S anti-submarine warfare [[torpedo]]es.
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]]
* [[Eurocopter EC155]]
* [[Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]
* [[Bell 412]]
* [[Bell UH-1Y Venom]]
* [[HAL Dhruv]]
* [[HAL LUH]]
* [[Harbin Z-9]]
* [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
* [[Kamov Ka-27]]
* [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]
* [[Westland Lynx]]

|lists=
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|35em}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* McGowen, Stanley S. "Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact." ''ABC-CLIO'', 2005. {{ISBN|1-85109-468-7}}.
* Northham, Hugh. [https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%201432.html "Panther prowl."] ''Flight International'', 8 August 1987. pp.&nbsp;30–32.
*{{cite book|last= Taylor|first= Michael J. H.|title= Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory|year= 1996|publisher= Brassey's|location= London, England|isbn= 1-85753-198-1|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/brasseysworldair0000unse}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Airbus Helicopters AS565 Panther}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061110085830/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?mode=&lang=EN&noeu_id=93 Eurocopter Company Site – AS 565UB Panther]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061110084913/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/siteFO_contenu.php?mode=&lang=EN&noeu_id=98 Eurocopter Company Site – AS 565MB Panther]

{{Eurocopter}}
{{Sud/Aérospatiale aircraft}}
{{CAE aircraft designations}}

[[Category:Aérospatiale aircraft]]
[[Category:Airbus Helicopters aircraft]]
[[Category:Fantail helicopters]]
[[Category:1980s French military utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:1980s French helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1984]]
[[Category:Anti-submarine helicopters]]