IHSRC 'Saba-248' utility helicopter: Agusta, Bell and Iranian improvisation

Publicity images from a 07MAR2017 ceremony publicizing the IHSRC Saba-248 utility helicopter. Saba is twin-engined with four rotor blades and a seating capacity of eight, giving it the numerical type "248".

Superficially, IHSRC Saba-248 utility helicopter appears to be a mix of Agusta A109E Power and  Bell 206 JetRanger, with recognizable influence from the Bell 429 GlobalRanger.

Indeed, the Saba-248 appears to recycle as core, former Tara Air Agusta A109E Power reg. EP-TRB (MSN 11007), that was damaged in a 03OCT 2015 crash. [source: Babak Taghvaee]

Official Iranian claims for this helicopter as being" indigenously designed and manufactured" are assumed based on domestic political considerations, given that Iran has been prevented from acquiring new aircraft for an extended period.

Fabricated composite replacement sections bear resemblance to the Bell 429 GlobalRanger, such as the nose and lower rear fuselage swoop. Replacement doors also of composite construction.

IHSRC Saba-248 claims greater duration than its Agusta A109E core, a result of reduced weight and possibly enlarged fuel tank capacity.

Fabricated composite tail boom appears to utilize a Bell 206 JetRanger type vertical and horizontal stabilizer.

Retractable landing gear from the Augusta A109E core removed in favor of a simplified tubular landing skid setup.

Also simplified is the windshield design and fitment.

Windshield wiper feature of Augusta A109E core absent on Saba-248.

Cockpit instrumentation and controls taken from Augusta A109E core. 

Locally reupholstered seats and carpeting featured in cockpit and cabin sections.

View of helicopter assembly inside facility of Iranian Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (IHSRC).

 

Tara Air Agusta A109E Power reg. EP-TRB (MSN 11007)

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Photos: Tasnim News, MOD.ir, "reza sh" and collection of Babak Taghvaee