Helicopters Final AS565 delivered to Mexican Navy

The Mexican Navy was the launch customer for the new AS565 MBe Panther helicopter. The first four helicopters were delivered in 2016, while the remaining six joined the fleet during 2017.

Admiral Jose Maria Garcia Macedo, the Mexican Navy’s General Director of Naval Aviation, said: “The arrival of the MBe Panther has enhanced the Navy Aviation’s operational capabilities. (…) It is a modern, multi-mission helicopter that we can use in both maritime and land environments for a wide range of missions, including maritime SAR, disaster relief, external load operations and even air ambulance.”

Veracruz, Sonora and Michoacan are the three naval bases, where the helicopters are stationed. From there, they perform patrol missions, reconnaissance and training flights. To perform such flights, the AS565 helicopters are equipped with a rescue hoist, a cargo hook, four stretchers in case of medical needs and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) for rescue missions in the dark.

“I would like to thank the Mexican Navy for their confidence in our helicopters,” “To help ensure success for their critical missions, we have made a technical and logistical support team available to them around the clock in Veracruz. Some 30 pilots have also been trained, many of them receiving specific training in SAR and night vision goggles (NVG).”, said Mesrob Karalekian, Airbus Helicopters’ Vice-President for Latin America.

Airbus Helicopters´ AS565 features two Safran Arriel 2N engines, which can perform in hot & high conditions. The 4-axis autopilot helps to reduce crew workload and contributes to a safer and easier procedure during SAR-missions. The helicopter can fly at 278km/h top speed and has a range of 780 kilometres.

Mexico´s Naval Aviation operates with 68 airplanes and 57 helicopters; each type of aircraft being subdivided in 9 squadrons. Tasks to perform are aerial surveillance, Troop Transport and Search and rescue missions.