Armada de Chile, August 20, 2023 - Concón, Chile - In the presence of the Chief of the Chilean Navy, Admiral Juan Andrés De La Maza, General Officers, and special guests, the official delivery of the fifth Airbus H-125 helicopter to the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (Directemar) took place, marking the completion of the fleet renewal process for aircraft used in rescue, surveillance, and logistical support functions.
This process began in 2019 under the supervision of Airbus Helicopters.
This initiative, known as Project Gaviota, aimed to replace the old Bell 206 Jet Ranger III models with five new machines and the construction of their respective hangar at the Concón Naval Air Base starting from 2024.
The key contributions of these new helicopters include the protection of human life at sea, the rescue of individuals, particularly during the summer season, within national territory. They also serve as maritime police, perform surveillance, support medical evacuations, control maritime traffic, provide logistical support to remote and isolated areas, maintain maritime signaling, and offer basic pilot training.
The first aircraft was acquired in 2020, followed by two more in 2021, and a fourth naval unit in 2022. Concurrently, Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), technical advice, pilot training, and maintenance personnel training were provided.
On this occasion, the Director-General of the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR), Vice Admiral Fernando Cabrera, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the aircraft acquisition process and highlighted the significant contribution that these units and their crews have made to the country since their arrival.
As an example, he stated, 'Since 2021, they have conducted 25 rescue operations and two medical evacuations, which have saved 40 lives from risky situations, several of them life-threatening.'
Vice Admiral Cabrera emphasized that “A helicopter is always in service, ranging from monitoring and surveillance of coastal activities to rescuing individuals in perilous situations, where without a helicopter, their rescue would be very difficult or even impossible.”
Lastly, the National Maritime Authority urged the crews of the new units to make the best use of them for the missions demanded by the Navy, particularly those associated with rescuing people.
On his part, the General Director of Airbus Chile, Pierre-Marie Gout, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the institution. He noted, 'We have heard about rescues during the summer season, beach rescues, as well as various medical evacuations, where naval aviation played a pivotal role in saving lives. We smile in those instances, knowing that these helicopters are tools that provide support to the population and indeed fulfill the requirements for which they were procured.'
In concluding his remarks, Gout thanked the Chilean Navy for their trust. He stated, “It is a significant responsibility for Airbus to sustain this fleet as the manufacturer responsible for its renewal. We hope to always meet your expectations, delivering solutions with the highest technology and quality.”
These new units, well-recognized in both the military and civilian aviation sectors, fall under the General Purpose Helicopter Squadron HU-1 of the Naval Aviation and will perform various tasks carried out by the Maritime Authority.
Their acquisition represents a major advancement due to their technology and ability to operate in adverse conditions, catastrophes, rescues, and severe weather, making them an ideal platform for coastal missions.
The Airbus helicopters feature an ergonomic cabin that accommodates two pilots and four passengers, equipped with modern dual digital screen equipment, maritime rescue gear, and modifications for operations from naval platforms
This process began in 2019 under the supervision of Airbus Helicopters.
This initiative, known as Project Gaviota, aimed to replace the old Bell 206 Jet Ranger III models with five new machines and the construction of their respective hangar at the Concón Naval Air Base starting from 2024.
The key contributions of these new helicopters include the protection of human life at sea, the rescue of individuals, particularly during the summer season, within national territory. They also serve as maritime police, perform surveillance, support medical evacuations, control maritime traffic, provide logistical support to remote and isolated areas, maintain maritime signaling, and offer basic pilot training.
The first aircraft was acquired in 2020, followed by two more in 2021, and a fourth naval unit in 2022. Concurrently, Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), technical advice, pilot training, and maintenance personnel training were provided.
On this occasion, the Director-General of the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR), Vice Admiral Fernando Cabrera, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the aircraft acquisition process and highlighted the significant contribution that these units and their crews have made to the country since their arrival.
As an example, he stated, 'Since 2021, they have conducted 25 rescue operations and two medical evacuations, which have saved 40 lives from risky situations, several of them life-threatening.'
Vice Admiral Cabrera emphasized that “A helicopter is always in service, ranging from monitoring and surveillance of coastal activities to rescuing individuals in perilous situations, where without a helicopter, their rescue would be very difficult or even impossible.”
Lastly, the National Maritime Authority urged the crews of the new units to make the best use of them for the missions demanded by the Navy, particularly those associated with rescuing people.
On his part, the General Director of Airbus Chile, Pierre-Marie Gout, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the institution. He noted, 'We have heard about rescues during the summer season, beach rescues, as well as various medical evacuations, where naval aviation played a pivotal role in saving lives. We smile in those instances, knowing that these helicopters are tools that provide support to the population and indeed fulfill the requirements for which they were procured.'
In concluding his remarks, Gout thanked the Chilean Navy for their trust. He stated, “It is a significant responsibility for Airbus to sustain this fleet as the manufacturer responsible for its renewal. We hope to always meet your expectations, delivering solutions with the highest technology and quality.”
These new units, well-recognized in both the military and civilian aviation sectors, fall under the General Purpose Helicopter Squadron HU-1 of the Naval Aviation and will perform various tasks carried out by the Maritime Authority.
Their acquisition represents a major advancement due to their technology and ability to operate in adverse conditions, catastrophes, rescues, and severe weather, making them an ideal platform for coastal missions.
The Airbus helicopters feature an ergonomic cabin that accommodates two pilots and four passengers, equipped with modern dual digital screen equipment, maritime rescue gear, and modifications for operations from naval platforms
H125 25 ( Armada de Chile )
See also |
H125 in
Armada de Chile HU-1
escuadron helicopteros de propositos generales Armada de Chile Chilean Navy 
Helibras Airbus Helicopters Cono Sur 
