MOSCOW, December 12 (RIA Novosti) - Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi unveiled two domestically-produced helicopters at an aerospace industry exhibition on Tuesday, Iranian media reported.
At the four-day 6th International Aviation Industry Exhibition underway on Kish island in the Persian Gulf, the Iranian military showcased two semi-heavy and mid-size military choppers, Panha-1 and Panha-2, the Fars News Agency said.
“Panha-1 mid-size chopper with the capacity to carry 14 passengers, and 8-seater Panha-2 light chopper were among the other products unveiled today,” the agency reported.
Their main task is to provide logistical support for the armed forces and to take part in military missions.
Iran has also unveiled Shahriyar, a medium-lift 214ST chopper overhauled by Iranian experts. The aircraft can carry up to 20 passengers.
Tehran Times quoted Managing-Director of the Iranian Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) Manouchehr Manteqi as saying that Iran is ready to export the choppers which to be unveiled in the exhibition.
He also said his organization has also started designing another chopper which will be built by the next year.
“We are planning to build 100- and 150-seat aircraft, not to mention our capabilities in designing drones,” Manteqi, who is also a deputy defense minister, was quoted as saying by Press TV.
Among other achievements that Iran showcased during the exhibition, was domestically produced landing gear for fighter jets, Fars reported.
