New Utility Helicopter Unveiled

Iran has unveiled a new utility helicopter capable of serving both military and civilian purposes. The ceremony to unveil the helicopter, named Saba 248, was attended by Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan on Tuesday, Press TV reported. Iran's Helicopter Renovation and Logistics Company, affiliated with the Defense Ministry's Aviation Industries Organization, has designed and manufactured the aircraft. Dehqan described the chopper as a medium-weight, double-engine and quadrotor aircraft, capable of carrying eight occupants. He said it could be used as a means of shipment, aerotaxi or for conducting imaging and reconnaissance operations. Saba 248, he said, can also be used as air ambulance or to perform other rescue and relief functions. Among its distinctive features, Dehqan said, were its integration of up-to-date navigation technologies, capability of operating with only one engine, high safety and speed due to a sleek aerodynamic design, low noise and vibration, and endurance of temperatures reaching as high as 55 centigrades.