Alarus CH2000

The AMD Alarus was developed as a trainer and personal use aircraft. Introduced in 1995, the aircraft entered service with both civilian flight schools and military operators. The design was also adapted for license production in other nations, including Jordan, Iraq, and Peru.

Design

The Alarus is a single-engine, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction with fixed tricycle landing gear. Its design features a 46-inch-wide cabin with two-place, side-by-side seating and dual flight controls. A specialized military surveillance variant, the SAMA CH2000, incorporates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) multi-sensor imager and secure communications systems.

Operational History

The aircraft's primary civilian operator base consists of flight schools within the United States. Its military career began with the Iraqi Air Force, which took delivery of its first two SAMA CH2000 aircraft on January 18, 2005. These were operated by the 3rd Squadron at Kirkuk Air Base and the 70th Squadron at Basra International Airport for surveillance missions, with all airframes eventually being transferred to the 70th Squadron. The Peruvian Air Force also became an operator, acquiring six aircraft designated Antarqui, which are built under license by SEMAN and feature custom modifications for their specific requirements.

Variants

• AMD Alarus CH2000: The standard production model offered as a general aviation and trainer aircraft.
• SAMA CH2000 MTSA: A Military Tactical Surveillance Aircraft variant equipped with a forward-looking infrared imager and secure communications systems, manufactured in Jordan and Iraq.
• Zenair CH 640: A four-seat derivative of the Alarus design offered as a kit aircraft.
• Antarqui: The Peruvian Air Force designation for its aircraft, built under license by SEMAN with specific modifications.