Copyright Anthony Pecchi Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, Helibras has completed the first stage of integration tests of MD...
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| Copyright Anthony Pecchi |
Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, Helibras has completed the first stage of integration tests of MDBA Exocet AM39 anti ship missiles on to the Brazilian Navy H225M helicopter.
Two exocet missiles are integrated to pylons on either side of the rotorcraft. The team had successfully completed several simulated firing of missiles.
Integration of Exocet will give the H225 anti-ship/anti-submarine capability to the Brazilian Navy. Brazilian Navy already operates its P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft equipped with the Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile.
The phase validated the connection between the system Naval Mission System and missile launchers, test different modes of operation, verification of the control logic and checking instrumentation that will be used in the trials in flights.
The Naval Mission System was designed in Brazil by Helibras, together with the customer, Airbus Helicopters and partner companies.
Maiden test firing of the Exocet is planned for 2016. The program partners include Helibras Engineering Center, MBDA, Atech and Airbus Defence and Space.
The 11-ton H225 can carry up to 29 troops/personnel in cabin seats, or up to 20 troops/personnel on energy-absorbing wall-mounted seats.
The helicopter’s outstanding 700 nautical mile range can be extended with air-to-air refueling, which can be performed while in forward flight and during hover.
For cargo transport missions, the H225M’s high-density cabin floor accommodates a sizeable internal load, while the maximum external load sling capacity is 4,750 kg.
Brazil has ordered 50 of the type, with 17 in fleet. It is powered by two Turbomeca Makila turboshaft engines which are locally assembled.
