Brazilian-Built EC725 Delivered

摘要

The first wholly built-in-Brazil Airbus Helicopters EC725 was handed over to the Brazilian Navy in mid-June. The event is a major milestone in the manufacturer's contract to supply mission-ready, multi-role rotorcraft for' the three Brazilian military services and to develop a national helicopter industry in the country. The ceremony took place at the new rotary-wing centre of excellence operated by Airbus Helicopters' Helibras subsidiary at Itajuba in Minas Gerais state. The €160 million facility includes an EC725 final assembly line, test benches, a paint shop, training resources and an engineering centre. Brazil's armed forces has received 12 EC725S to date. The previous 11 were supplied from Airbus Helicopters' production line in France or partially assembled at Itajuba. The Brazilian Navy now has three with this latest delivery, while another five are operated by the air force and four by the army. Jointly, they have logged a total of 5,000 flight hours.