Despite budget cuts, the Gendarmer(i)a Nacional (GN) has seen its helicopter fleet modernised in recent years, albeit moderately, with its ageing Hughes 500 and Lamas aircraft replaced by Ecureuil rotorcraft. A single Helibras Esquilo was delivered in 1989, followed by a AS350B2 in 2003 and five AS350B3s from 2007 to 2011. One of the AS350B3s was lost on August 6, 2011, during the interception of a drug-running Cessna 206 when the light aircraft's pilot hit the tail boom of the helicopter with his propeller. The rotorcraft crashed, while the Cessna made a forced landing nearby. Despite the occupants of both aircraft surviving, the damage to the AS350B3 was beyond repair. Three Robinson R-44s were added to the fleet in 2001 for patrol duties, but the GN was disappointed with them and they are now in storage, awaiting a decision on their fate. A single Schweizer 300C is used for training. The modernisation of the helicopter force also included a failed purchase of four Bell UH-1Hs that were set to be converted to Huey 2. While two were delivered, the GN found felt the conversion was not completed properly, with some parts exchanged for used ones without traceability, so the aircraft were not officially accepted. After a long dispute, the pair went to the Argentine Army, who swapped the disputed parts for new ones; the remaining two Bells were returned to the vendor without being modified.
展开▼
