Eurocopter AS565 Panther

The AS565 Panther is the military version of the AS365 Dauphin helicopter family. Eurocopter developed it as a medium-weight twin-engine platform for naval aviation, search and rescue, transport, surveillance, and light armed roles. Its appeal came from adapting a proven civil airframe into military variants rather than creating a completely new helicopter.

Panther variants use a fenestron tail rotor, twin engines, compact dimensions, and mission equipment that can include radar, hoist, sensors, and weapons depending on customer. Naval versions are particularly important because they can operate from frigates and patrol ships where larger helicopters are impractical.

The Panther family has served with multiple navies and military services, including maritime patrol and shipborne roles. Its database value is showing how a medium civil helicopter lineage became a widely used military utility and naval helicopter, especially for countries needing a smaller alternative to heavy shipboard aircraft.