Helibras To Build EC725/EC225 Helicopters In Itajubá

Eurocopter marked a major development for Brazil’s aeronautical industry Tuesday with the inauguration of its Helibras subsidiary’s new rotary-wing center of excellence in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, where Brazilian Armed Forces EC725 helicopters will be assembled.

Helibras’ new Itajubá plant will produce, assemble and maintain the EC725s (pictured in file photo) being acquired by Brazil’s three armed forces in the largest such contract ever signed in South America – providing a highly capable aircraft fleet based on Eurocopter’s renowned Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. The new industry capabilities will also enable Helibras to build the civilian EC225 version, providing locally-manufactured helicopters for off-shore oil and gas operations, as well as other applications. In addition to establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, this center will create the framework for potential future helicopter development in the country, along with the evolution of its aviation industry supply chain.

“The Itajubá plant represents our latest milestone in a relationship spanning more than 30 years with Brazil, and underscores Eurocopter’s commitment of being in proximity to its customers while in-sourcing high-value business in key markets,” said Eurocopter president and CEO Lutz Bertling.

Total investment in the new Helibras Itajubá industrial site is €160 million ($206 million), which includes creation of the facility, establishment of the various elements necessary for helicopter production, as well as the organization and operation of related training programs for personnel. The plant is part of a €1.8 billion ($2.3 billion) agreement signed by Helibras and the Brazilian Defense Ministry in 2008 for acquisition of the EC725s to be operated by Brazil’s three armed forces – which are to include progressively 50 percent Brazilian-made content. “This program meets the Brazilian government’s goals of acquiring mission-capable, customized helicopters for its armed forces, while bringing in valuable expertise for the country’s aeronautical industry and the supply chain,” stated Helibras president Eduardo Marson Ferreira.

Helibras already has delivered the first four EC725s to Brazil – which were assembled at Eurocopter’s production site in France, to be followed by the Itajubá-built helicopters. The first of these are today in the Final Assembly Line in the new Brazilian facility, including an EC725 that will serve as the development and systems integration aircraft for the in-country development of the Utility and Naval mission systems. 2017 is the deadline to deliver the 50 aircraft.

During the inauguration of the new production facility, Helibras signed a contract with Brazil’s InbraAerospace to supply composite armor protection on the Brazilian armed forces’ multi-role EC725 helicopters to be assembled in the new plant. Helibras has signed contracts with 15 Brazilian companies for the supply of EC725 components, parts and services. It also is providing training for pilots, mechanics, technicians and engineers during activity in both France and Brazil as part of the technology transfer agreement for the helicopter acquisition.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com