OVERVIEW
Despite its resemblance to the American Bell 427, Iranian industry and its military are billing the PANHA Saba-248 as an indigenous development.
Despite its resemblance to the American Bell 427, Iranian industry and its military are billing the PANHA Saba-248 as an indigenous development.
YEAR: 2019
STATUS: In-Development
MANUFACTURER(S): Iran Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (PANHA) - Iran
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: Iran (possible)
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the PANHA Saba-248 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the PANHA Saba-248 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 37.40 feet (11.4 meters)
WIDTH: 36.91 feet (11.25 meters)
HEIGHT: 10.50 feet (3.2 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 3,858 pounds (1,750 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 6,393 pounds (2,900 kilograms)
ENGINE: 2 x Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft engines developing 700 horsepower each and driving a four-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail rotor.
SPEED (MAX): 173 miles-per-hour (278 kilometers-per-hour; 150 knots)
RANGE: 603 miles (970 kilometers; 524 nautical miles)
CEILING: 9,843 feet (3,000 meters; 1.86 miles)
RATE-OF-CLIMB: 1,750 feet-per-minute (533 meters-per-minute)
ARMAMENT
Typically unarmed. Can be armed for the light gunship role with rocket pods, gun pods and cannon pods.
Typically unarmed. Can be armed for the light gunship role with rocket pods, gun pods and cannon pods.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• Saba-248 - Base Series Designation.
Series Model Variants
• Saba-248 - Base Series Designation.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the PANHA Saba-248 (Good Wind) Twin-Engine Lightweight Utility Military Helicopter. Entry last updated on 5/15/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the PANHA Saba-248 (Good Wind) Twin-Engine Lightweight Utility Military Helicopter. Entry last updated on 5/15/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Common practice for growing military powers like China and Iran is to reproduce / reengineer existing foreign equipment to satisfy local requirements and, at the same time, educate local industry on the finer points of military-related technologies. For Iran, this has led to various products influence by American designs and reconstituted for the Iranian military as is the case with the new Saba-248 ("Good Wind") helicopter by PANHA. The twin-engined platform was unveiled in March of 2017 and showcased at MAKS 2017 in July.
The Saba-248 bears more than a passing resemblance to the Bell Helicopter Model 427, what essentially became a failed helicopter product for the American company (it only found two global users in the Czech Republic and Argentina). However, in the Iranian interpretation of this aircraft, the form and function of the Model 427 are all there. The helicopter showcases sleek contouring from nose-to-tail and the engine installations are well-embedded along the fuselage roof. The cockpit - featuring side-by-side seating and LCD displays - is aft of a short nosecone assembly. Entry/exit for the operating crew is by way of hinged automobile-style doors and larger rectangular doors allow access to the passenger cabin aft of the cockpit. All doors have large transparent screens and windows make up a large portion of the cockpit walls allowing for excellent vision and situational awareness. The tail section sports an elevated stem housing the drive shaft powering the tail rotor element. Vertical and horizontal planes are seated along the tail unit. The main rotor component consists of four total blades and the tail rotor - offset to portside - has two blades. The undercarriage is of a simple four-point skid arrangement.
Internally, the Saba-248 is made up largely of Western systems and subsystems. The engines are 2 x French-originated Turbomeca "Arrius" series turboshaft engines of 640 horsepower each. The gearbox is of Austrian origin. Altogether, the helicopter has an estimated top speed of 172.5 miles per hour putting it in line with Western helicopters of similar design and functionality.
A first-flight of a Saba-248 prototype was recorded in 2016. The Iranian military hopes to introduce the product into service sometime in 2019 following testing and certification prior to serial production efforts.
The Iranians plan to utility the Saba-248 series in several frontline roles including Search and Rescue (SAR). Its lightweight nature also opens it up for use as a reconnaissance platform and light-attack gunship.
The Saba-248 bears more than a passing resemblance to the Bell Helicopter Model 427, what essentially became a failed helicopter product for the American company (it only found two global users in the Czech Republic and Argentina). However, in the Iranian interpretation of this aircraft, the form and function of the Model 427 are all there. The helicopter showcases sleek contouring from nose-to-tail and the engine installations are well-embedded along the fuselage roof. The cockpit - featuring side-by-side seating and LCD displays - is aft of a short nosecone assembly. Entry/exit for the operating crew is by way of hinged automobile-style doors and larger rectangular doors allow access to the passenger cabin aft of the cockpit. All doors have large transparent screens and windows make up a large portion of the cockpit walls allowing for excellent vision and situational awareness. The tail section sports an elevated stem housing the drive shaft powering the tail rotor element. Vertical and horizontal planes are seated along the tail unit. The main rotor component consists of four total blades and the tail rotor - offset to portside - has two blades. The undercarriage is of a simple four-point skid arrangement.
Internally, the Saba-248 is made up largely of Western systems and subsystems. The engines are 2 x French-originated Turbomeca "Arrius" series turboshaft engines of 640 horsepower each. The gearbox is of Austrian origin. Altogether, the helicopter has an estimated top speed of 172.5 miles per hour putting it in line with Western helicopters of similar design and functionality.
A first-flight of a Saba-248 prototype was recorded in 2016. The Iranian military hopes to introduce the product into service sometime in 2019 following testing and certification prior to serial production efforts.
The Iranians plan to utility the Saba-248 series in several frontline roles including Search and Rescue (SAR). Its lightweight nature also opens it up for use as a reconnaissance platform and light-attack gunship.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 200mph
Lo: 100mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (173mph).
Graph average of 150 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the PANHA Saba-248's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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Altitude Visualization
