Helibras returns modernized Brazilian Army helicopters

Helibras returns modernized Brazilian Army helicopters
by Richard Tomkins
Itijuba, Brazil (UPI) Dec 22, 2014

disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

The Brazilian Army has received the first four of 36 helicopters being rebuilt and/or modernized by Helibras, the Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters.

The helicopters returned were AS-550A2 Fennec and AS-350L1 Esquilo aircraft.

The helicopters have new glass cockpits, two-axis autopilots, new communication and navigation systems, digital back up systems, night vision goggle-compatible interior and outside lighting, ballistic protection, and new weapons.

Helibras said some of the new equipment was Brazilian-made. Brazilian companies also provided technical support.

"We work closely with the army to find Brazilian suppliers able to offer the latest technology for on-board systems, and also to provide support and maintenance with the same expertise and quality as in their home countries," says Wilmer Son, manager of the Fennec program.

Of the 36 helicopters being worked on by Helibras, three are being rebuilt and modernized. The remainder will receive modernization.

The AS-550A2 Fennec was originally a product of Eurocopter, which is now Airbus Helicopters. It is a light multi-purpose aircraft in service around the world since 1990. It has a maximum cruise speed of 153 miles per hour and a range of 403 miles.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

.

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks

Airbus Helicopters delivers aircraft to Spanish military
Albacete, Spain (UPI) Dec 22, 2014
The Spanish military has received the first three of 46 Spanish-assembled utility and combat helicopters under separate contracts given to Airbus Helicopters. The aircraft officially delivered by the company were two Tiger attack helicopters in the HAD-E version and one NH90 GSPA, a Spanish-version tactical transport. "The delivery of these three helicopters is a very important m ... read more

Premature death more likely in areas with lots of alcohol outlets

Second Christmas in ruins in Philippine disaster zone

Indonesian rescuers end search for landslide victims

Lives of danger, poverty on Philippines' typhoon coast

GPS analysts bridge gap between launch, orbit

China to Roll Out Own Global Navigation System by 2020

NIST study 'makes the case' for RFID forensic evidence management

Galileo satellite recovered and transmitting navigation signals

The fine-tuning of human color perception

Researchers date oldest stone tool ever found in Turkey

Lightweight skeletons of modern humans have recent origin

Echolocation acts as supplemental sense for the blind

Federal and Local Action Needed to Protect Hawaii's Spinner Dolphins

Scientists trace nanoparticles from plants to caterpillars

Biologist Reveals How Whales May 'Sing' for Their Supper

A vegetarian carnivorous plant

China promises medical care for HIV-positive boy: state media

New suit for Ebola workers promises more comfort, safety

China grandfather defends petition to expel HIV-positive boy: report

Cambodia orders probe into mass HIV infection

Tibetan woman burns herself to death in China: reports

China city bans Christmas in schools, warns over 'Western' culture

Hong Kong tycoon and ex-deputy leader jailed for graft

Hong Kong tycoon and former senior official face jail for graft

Nobel protester sought to draw attention to 'murdered Mexican students'

Corruption on rise in Turkey, China: Transparency

Australia poised to seize assets of corrupt Chinese: report

How Germany and the euro are keeping Europe in recession

China December manufacturing index falls to 7-month low: HSBC

Japan economy key after Abe landslide: analysts

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.