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HESA Shahed 285 / AH-85 (Witness)

2014 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

The Iranian light helicopter Shahed 285 is an American helicopter series Bell 206 Ranger (known as "JetRanger", "LongRanger", "TwinRanger" and - under its military camouflage - "Kiowa" and "Kiowa-Warrior"). As such, the type bears a slight visual resemblance to the American design, although this is primarily given by its rear wing, which remains largely unchanged. Designed to be used as a light reconnaissance/support helicopter for Iranian Army forces, the Shahed is unique in its design as it has one person to manage all onboard functions - in contrast to all the military helicopters in the world today (the Russian Kamov KA-50 Black Shah is the an exception to the rule).

The Shahed 285 is designed to operate alongside existing Iranian attack helicopters, presenting itself as a homegrown and cost-effective battlefield solution.

Before the fall of the Shah in 1979, the Iranian military had a working relationship with the West that allowed access to some American equipment in the form of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jets, Grumman F-14s Tomcat swing-wing carrier-based interceptor, Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, Bell 206 series utility helicopters, and more. After Iran collapsed due to the Islamic Revolution, military ties ended, although the damage had been done. Iran now has modern hardware that it can learn and use to influence its future military needs.

Iranian industry began illegal production of the Bell 206 JetRanger named "Panha Shabaviz 2061", which entered service in 1998 and is still in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force today. A variant was then developed as a four-seat light utility helicopter, the HESA Shahed 278, whose first flight was recorded in 2002 or 2005 (exact year unknown).

Therefore, the next logical step in the series was a special armed reconnaissance platform developed from the tried and tested Bell components, which turned out to be the "Shahed 285" introduced by the Iranian authorities in 2009.

Some observers consider the Shahed to be a stealth helicopter due to its boxy front fuselage design. However, many features of this aircraft would betray this way of thinking, including the many outcroppings found on the Shahed, such as the fixed skid landing gear, the addition of stub pylons for external ammunition (vs. internal weapons), the exposed Rotor assembly and vertical stabilizer.

There appears to be no attempt to cover up the rotor masts, vertical stabilizers, or engine intakes and exhausts. Closer inspection also revealed that only the front of the plane had angular surfaces - the rounded surfaces at the rear seemed to betray the Bell 206's origins.

Despite these limitations, Shahed will undoubtedly find some value on the modern battlefield, especially with its lower initial cost. So if Iranian authorities decide to do so one day, it could be a strong candidate for export sales.

The product is sure to appeal to customers who are reluctant to do business with the West.

The Iranian military ultimately wants to display the Shahed 285 in three different forms. The first will be called the AH-85A and will operate from a land base, primarily for light reconnaissance. It will come with a 1 x 7.62mm machine gun and 2 x 7 rounds of 2.75" rocket launchers by default.

The AH-85B will be a land-based derivative with a heavily attack-oriented role on the battlefield. The 85C is intended as a dedicated naval form with search and track facilities and anti-ship support including missiles.

As of now (2012), Shahed is serving in the Iranian Armed Forces. Therefore, it is assumed that serial production is in progress. However, its actual battlefield "threat" to Western militaries is questionable, as the type lacks many of the design advantages of multi-rotor helicopters, which use true stealth capabilities -- at least -- with a two-man crew. Time (and eventual combat service and battle) will only show its true value on the battlefield.

In any case, the homegrown effort is honorable and demonstrates Iran's ability to produce military products from its own industries -- even if sanctions limit external support.

The name "Shahed" comes from the Urdu word "witness".