Shahed 285
Description
This new light attack helicopter appears to based on the Iranian-designed Shahed-278 light helicopter (which is believed to be somewhat based on the Bell 206 JetRanger. How this new helicopter is related to the previously described OH-78 is unknown. Two variants are currently known including an armed scout model armed with an internal gun and rocket pods and a naval model which is fitted with two small anti-shipping missiles.[1]It is said to made up largely of composit materials and designed to be easy to maintain and very durable. The chopper's rotors and cabin are made from advanced composite materials. The newly developed aircraft is easy-to-maintain and can be stored in combat zones for immediate access. It also appears to have so far only entered into service with the Iranian Revolution Guard Corps. A number of Shahed 285s -- which have successfully passed numerous test-flights -- were handed to the IRGC Air Force on Sunday.
Variants
- Scout Variant- Armed with unguided rocket pods and a single internal weapon system
- Naval Variant- Armed with 2 Kosar anti-shipping missile
References