Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — Iran has unveiled what officials termed the nation’s first
indigenous helicopter.

Officials said the Iranian Defense Ministry oversaw the development of a class of helicopters. They said the aircraft was designed for both military and commercial applications.

“There is foreign interest in these helicopters,” an official said.

On Dec. 11, the helicopters were exhibited at an aviation show on Iran’s
Kish island in the Gulf. The aircraft was identified as the Panha-1 and -2 helicopters, both of which could be equipped with weapons.

Panha-1 was designed to transport 12 soldiers in full gear. Panha-2
contained a capacity for eight soldiers.

Officials said the helicopters would be procured by the Iranian
military. They said Iranian allies would also be offered Panha.

At the exhibition, which included China, Russia and Sudan, Iran also
unveiled an aircraft that could transport six passengers. Teheran also
exhibited a landing gear for a fighter-jet.

  Iran shows off first indigenous helicopters, military and commerical applications, Panha-1 and Panha-2