Airbus Defence and Space has completed the delivery of nine upgraded P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft for the Brazilian A...
Airbus Defence and Space has completed the delivery of nine upgraded P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
The modernised aircraft now features, Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and a completely new suite of mission sensors, communications systems and cockpit avionics.
The aircraft engines and structures were also modernised, extending the fleet´s operational life.
The FAB acquired the nine used P-3C aircraft from the US Navy in 2006, along with three more for spares. The upgradation was carried out from Airbus facilities in Seville and Getafe, near Madrid.
The P-3C fleet will be employed in anti-submarine, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and economic exclusion zone enforcement missions.
The aircraft has been flown from Seville, Spain to its home base at Salvador de BahÃa, Brazil.
The deal had offsets including a range of industrial projects as well as training and research in the aerospace sector.
Brazil has requested a deal to buy Block 2 Harpoon anti ship missiles with US to arm the fleet for ASW role.
Airbus has modernised a total of 12 P-3 Orions, nine for the Brazilian Air Force and three for the Spanish Air Force.
