Brazilian Navy, April 10, 2025 - In April, the 1st Helicopter Instruction Squadron (EsqdHI-1) began the process of receiving its first H125 “Esquilo B3e” aircraft, which, in the Brazilian Navy (MB), will be designated as IH-18, at the Helibrás facilities in Itajubá (MG).
The incorporation of this new model is part of the TH-X Project, aimed at modernizing the fleet designated for flight instruction in Naval Aviation.
The reception process is a technical and thorough procedure that ensures the new aircraft fully meets the contract requirements and the operational needs of Naval Aviation. Currently, a team composed of pilots and mechanics from EsqdHI-1, together with specialists from the Flight Research and Testing Institute (IPEV) and the Institute of Industrial Coordination and Promotion (IFI), is conducting an inspection that includes everything from the physical verification of the aircraft to documentation checks, system tests, and technical flights of the IH-18.
The TH-X Project aims to replace the current IH-6B “Jet Ranger III” helicopters used in training naval aviators with more modern, safer aircraft with higher instructional capacity. The H125 “Esquilo B3e” was selected for its robustness, versatility, and onboard technology, features that will enhance the quality of teaching in the Officer Aviation Improvement Course (CAAvO) and expand the aircraft’s potential for other operational missions.
The arrival of the IH-18 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the training of future naval aviators while strengthening the general operational capabilities of Naval Aviation, aligning with the ongoing commitment to modernization and operational excellence in naval aviation assets.
The incorporation of this new model is part of the TH-X Project, aimed at modernizing the fleet designated for flight instruction in Naval Aviation.
The reception process is a technical and thorough procedure that ensures the new aircraft fully meets the contract requirements and the operational needs of Naval Aviation. Currently, a team composed of pilots and mechanics from EsqdHI-1, together with specialists from the Flight Research and Testing Institute (IPEV) and the Institute of Industrial Coordination and Promotion (IFI), is conducting an inspection that includes everything from the physical verification of the aircraft to documentation checks, system tests, and technical flights of the IH-18.
The TH-X Project aims to replace the current IH-6B “Jet Ranger III” helicopters used in training naval aviators with more modern, safer aircraft with higher instructional capacity. The H125 “Esquilo B3e” was selected for its robustness, versatility, and onboard technology, features that will enhance the quality of teaching in the Officer Aviation Improvement Course (CAAvO) and expand the aircraft’s potential for other operational missions.
The arrival of the IH-18 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the training of future naval aviators while strengthening the general operational capabilities of Naval Aviation, aligning with the ongoing commitment to modernization and operational excellence in naval aviation assets.
H125M N-5101 ( Força Aeronaval da Marinha do Brasil )
BA Sao Pedro da Aldeia See also |
H125M in
Força Aeronaval da Marinha do Brasil HI-1
1 esquadrao de helicopteros de instrucao Força Aeronaval da Marinha do Brasil Brazilian Navy Brazil Orders 27 H125 Trainer Helicopters
