First EC725 built in-country delivered to Brazil
The Brazilian military’s EC725 programme has marked a significant milestone, with the first helicopter to be built in-country handed over to the Brazilian Navy at the new facility operated by Airbus Helicopters’ Helibras subsidiary at Itajubá in Minas Gerais state.
The aircraft went through its complete assembly at Itajubá – including the integration of mission equipment, flight line activities and industrial acceptance. The facility represents a €160 million investment, and includes the EC725‘s final assembly line, test benches, a paint facility, training resources and a state of the art engineering centre.
The handover marks the 12th EC725 to have been delivered to Brazil so far, with the previous 11 helicopters supplied from Airbus Helicopters’ production site in France or partially assembled at Helibras’ Itajubá facility.
With this latest delivery, the Brazilian Navy now has three EC725s in its inventory, while another five are operated by the Air Force, and four by the Army. These helicopters have logged a combined total of 5,000 flight hours with the three military services.
Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus Helicopters, said: ‘The delivery is another key achievement in a programme that remains on schedule and within the contractual budget, underscoring the dedication of all partners to its success. It also highlights our long-term commitment to dual goal of enhancing Brazil’s heli-lift capabilities while developing a world-class rotorcraft industry in the country.’
As part of developing an in-country supply chain for the EC725, Helibras already has signed contracts with 16 Brazilian companies for the supply of components, parts and services. Ultimately, EC725s supplied to the Brazilian armed forces will have 50 percent domestic content.
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