Advanced attack chopper joins Iran fleet
Sun, 24 May 2009

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s latest homemade attack helicopter, the Shahed (Witness) 285, has joined Iran's aerial fleet.

The Shahed 285 was unveiled Sunday on the anniversary of the 1982 liberation of the Iranian city Khoramshahr -- which was occupied by Iraqi forces during the 1980-88 war.

The IRGC says the state-of-the-art helicopter is capable of taking part in seaborne and airborne combat operations. The Shahed 285 can carry autocanons, machine guns, guided missiles, anti-armor missiles and air-to-air and air-to-sea missiles.

The "100-percent domestic-made all-weather aircraft" has a slick aerodynamic design and is capable of taking off in harsh conditions.

The chopper's rotors and cabin are made from advanced composite materials. The newly developed aircraft is easy-to-maintain and can be stored in combat zones for immediate access.

A number of Shahed 285s -- which have successfully passed numerous test-flights -- were handed to the IRGC Air Force on Sunday.

Iran's latest endeavor follows the successful test-fire of its new deterrent ballistic missile, the Sejjil II, which has a 2000-kilometer surface-to-surface range.

Over the years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, internationally blockaded Iran has managed to design and manufacture various missiles, fighters, stealth aircraft, drones, submarines, radar systems, and military vessels.