Airbus Helicopters and Brazilian subsidiary Helibras introduced the first naval combat configuration of the H225M Super Puma helicopter for the Brazilian Navy this week, the company said Thursday.
This H225M model is developed and assembled locally in Brazil by Helbras. The model is designed to meet Brazilian Navy requirements, including mission capabilities like anti-surface warfare and maritime surveillance. The first unit was unveiled in Itajubá, Brazil and will be the first H22M of its model to be delivered to the Brazilian Navy in 2018 following military certification trials.
The helicopter is equipped with two AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and is built around the Helibras-developed tactical mission system which includes an APS-143 surveillance radar, advanced self-protection systems, and signals intelligence capabilities. The H225’s cargo bay accommodates a dedicated sensor operator console to provide the mission commander with an overview of the tactical situations. The helicopter also has an automatic identification system (IAS) to allow crew members to gather information on surface vessels, Airbus said.
The unit revealed this week is part of a global order for 50 H225Ms for the Brazilian armed forces. Twenty-six have already been delivered to the Brazilian Air Force, Navy, and Army. Helibras leads the complete assembly of the H225Ms in Itajubá, including integration of mission equipment, flight line activities, and industrial acceptance.
Helibras has a target of using 50 percent of production with national content by 2020 and therefore has developed a local supply chain including over 37 Brazilian companies.
“I am particularly proud to present this new version. This latest and unique version of the H225M is a testimony of the hard work our teams have been doing here in Brazil in close collaboration with Brazilian military customers,” Helibras president Richard Marelli, said in a statement.
“It also demonstrates our ability to effectively transfer technology, skills and know-how to Brazil, and our commitment to support the development of the country’s aerospace industry,” he added.
Airbus highlighted that the general H225M is the latest model in the Super Puma/Cougar family of military helicopters, with over 500 units delivered globally.