The Shahed 285 scout helicopter makes use of elements of the Bell 206 JetRanger

The Shahed 285 (Witness) is an Iranian light-weight scout helicopter. It was developed by IRGC. It was first publicly revealed in 2009. This helicopter is being produced by Iran Plane Manufacturing Industrial Firm (HESA).

It’s based mostly on a modified airframe and elements of the Shahed 278, that’s derived from the Bell 206 JetRanger. Though design of this helicopter doesn’t look mature, the Shahed 285 efficiently handed check flights and was accepted to service with Iranian Air Pressure.

It’s a main achievement to Iran, nevertheless it’s thought-about that it isn’t corresponding to the newest Western army helicopters. It appears that evidently at present Iran operates quite a few pre-production Shahed 285 helicopters. Nevertheless it isn’t but in a full-scale manufacturing.

Primary mission for the Shahed 285 is reconnaissance, scouting and commentary. This helicopter will be armed with cannons, machine weapons, rocket pods, guided air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. If requires the Shahed 285 can assist floor forces with its firepower.

The primary model of the Shahed 285 was fitted with a nose-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun. On later fashions it was changed by an undernose NSV 12.7 mm machine gun.

The Shahed is operated by a single pilot. This helicopter has a slender fuselage. It appears that evidently is has no or little or no armor.

Almost certainly that the Shahed 285 is powered by a Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250-C20J fuel turbine engine, growing 420 shp. The unique Allison Mannequin 250 engine was developed by Allison Engine Firm within the early Sixties.

It proved to be extremely profitable. In 1995 Allison Engine Firm was acquired by Rolls-Royce and this engine was re-branded.

Variants:

The Shahed 285 scout helicopter makes use of elements of the Bell 206 JetRanger

Shahed 285C a maritime patrol and anti-ship model. It lacks machine gun, however is fitted with a search and monitor radar. It detects ships at a spread of 30-40 km. This helicopter is fitted with two Kowsar or eight Sadid-1 anti-ship missiles.

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