Brazilian Navy Receives Indigenous, Exocet-Armed Caracal

Airbus Helicopters delivered the very first H225M in naval combat configuration to the Brazilian Navy, coated in a seaworthy dark blue fade. The naval variant of the aircraft, derived from the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, is the most complex configuration ever created of the multirole helicopter, says Airbus. Capable of maritime surveillance and anti-surface warfare, the H225M can fill a number of mission profiles while in service, from troop transport, to combat search and rescue operations if needed. 

Among the aircraft’s various upgrades are countermeasure systems, MBDA Exocet AM39 B2M2 missiles, an APS143 tactical radar, and an N-TDMS. The naval tactical data management system was developed with Atech and Airbus Defense to coalesce all command and control for the helicopter’s systems into one single, manageable system. The most recent stage of the testing campaign from the large Exocet AM39 missiles was completed only last June, allowing for the most up-to-date weapon delivery system just before shipment. The H225M is delivered as part of the 2008 contract signed with the Brazilian Government, which includes 50 of the helicopters to ship across three of its armed forces. Produced locally under Helibras, only 11 more remain from the original $2.72 billion order, only 11 more remain to be delivered through 2022 for completion. 

“We are very proud of this achievement, which proves the industrial and technological capability of the Airbus Helicopters teams in France and Brazil to deliver one of the most modern solutions in the world to the Brazilian Armed Forces," said Alberto Robles, Head of Latin America at Airbus Helicopters. "Designed to meet the most demanding requirements of the Brazilian Navy, the advanced anti-surface warfare and tactical capabilities open new mission capabilities for the H225M utility helicopter."

FMI: www.airbus.com