TYPE: Light utility helicopter.

PROGRAMME: Three prototypes, first of which made maiden flight late 1997 or early 1998; most-flown prototype had accumulated 200 hours by March 2001. Public debut late 2002 as HESA 278, having previously been reported as Panha 287.

DESIGN FEATURES: Fonr-seater; intended for dual military/civil use, though designed primarily to meet military requirements. Designed entirely in Iran, according to manufacturer, although some sources report use of locally made airframe and dynamic components of Bell 206 JelRanger.

POWER PLANT: Single turboshaft. Prototypes have evaluated Rolls-Royce 250 and equivalents from Turbomeca and a Russian supplier, but final selection apparently not made by late 2002. Fuel capacity 287 litres.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

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Technical data for Shahed 278 Max. take-off weight: 1451kg, empty weight: 682kg, max. level speed: 240km/h, service ceiling: 6400m, hovering ceiling IGE: 6200m, hovering ceiling OGE: 4800m, range 340km