Panha 2091

Summary

The Panha 2091 "Toufan" is an Iranian overhaul and upgrade of the Bell AH-1J International (export version of the SeaCobra) attack helicopter purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.[2] The overhaul and upgrade program is known as project number 2091 of the Iranian Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (also known as Panha).

Panha 2091 Toufan
Toufan in flight
Role Attack helicopter
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter Textron
Panha
Introduction 1998 [1]
Status canceled
Primary user Islamic Republic of Iran Army
Developed from Bell AH-1J International

Design edit

Reported upgrades include:[2]

  • new cockpit armored panels
  • new, Iranian-designed canopy
  • new avionics
  • nose-mounted camera
  • new cockpit design

The upgraded attack helicopter has a narrower airframe for greater flexibility and is armed with an M197 three-barreled 20-mm Gatling-type cannon in the A/A49E turret. Its wing-stub stations carry a pair of 19-tube 70-mm rocket launchers.

Bulletproof glass protects the pilot's cockpit and weapons officer station, internal avionics have been revamped with the addition of a GPS and receiver in the nose, and a warning radar attached to the rear, with four antennae providing 360 degrees coverage and all electronics systems integrated.

Specifications edit

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 69-H-098[3]
  • Empty weight: 2,802 kg (6,177 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,530 kg (9,987 lb)
  • Main rotor diameter: 13 m (42 ft 8 in)
  • Main rotor area: 132.75 m2 (1,428.9 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 236 km/h (147 mph, 127 kn)
  • Range: 600 km (370 mi, 320 nmi)

Armament

  • M197 3-barreled 20 mm "Gatling-style" cannon in the M97 turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
  • 2.75 in (70 mm) Mk 40 or Hydra 70 rockets in 7 or 19 round pods
  • 5 in (127 mm) Zuni rockets - 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder / Misagh-2 Anti-Aircraft Missiles - 1 mounted on each hardpoint
  • Toophan ATGM - 1 dual or quad launcher on each wing

See also edit

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References edit

  1. ^ Iranian Gunship upgrade
  2. ^ a b Panha hovers between repair and manufacturing Janes.com
  3. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

External links edit

  • Toufan 2