Acquisition is the result of the H-XBR project, which involves the Brazilian Navy, the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force
Air Force Agency – COPAC, by Lieutenant Aretha
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) concluded, on June 2nd, the process of receiving another unit of the H-36 Caracal aircraft, in the operational version, the FAB-8522. The acquisition is the result of the H-XBR project, which involves the Brazilian Navy, the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force, and allowed for the purchase of 47 helicopters.
The contract provides for the assembly of units in Brazil, through the AIRBUS/Helibras Consortium, whose factory is located in Itajubá (MG). With this shipment, FAB has received a total of 13 aircraft, and expects to receive two more vectors in 2024 and 2025.
The FAB-8522, which is already being operated by the First Squadron of the Eighth Aviation Group (1°/8° GAV) – Falcon Squadron, based in Natal (RN), brings an unprecedented potential for Rotor Wing Aviation. The H-36 has an in-flight refueling system, which will allow for a greater capacity of the aircraft, since it will increase autonomy in long distance missions.
“This receipt demonstrates FAB’s continuous commitment to modernize its fleet and maintain a high standard of operational readiness, ensuring the capacity to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies and in the country’s military defense operations,” said the President of the Coordinating Committee of the Combat Aircraft Program (COPAC), Air Major Antonio Luiz Godoy Soares Mioni Rodrigues.
The new Caracal unit is equipped with a modern self-defense system, the EWS (Electronic Warfare System), capable of detecting guided missiles and triggering chaff and flare, devices that “fool” the enemy’s weapons system and protect the crew.