Brazilian Army, November 27, 2024 - Brasília – The Brazilian Army received the last of 34 modernized Pantera K2 helicopters in a ceremony held in Brasília on Tuesday, November 26th.
This symbolic event celebrated the modernization process of the fleet of these aircraft, initiated in 2009, which has contributed to increasing the operational capacity of the Army Aviation.
The delivery of the last modernized helicopter took place in front of Army Headquarters in Brasilia.
Army General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva, Commander of the Brazilian Army, said “The Pantera is a versatile aircraft that has already proven its ability to be employed. We have seen how the aircraft has been contributing to our operations. In Catrimani, in Roraima, it provided assistance to the Yanomami communities. In Taquari, it was essential in rescuing people and transporting materials for the mission of assisting victims of floods in Rio Grande do Sul. On our western border, it contributes to operations such as Ágata, to maintain sovereignty. There is no way to fulfill the various missions of defending the Homeland, combating cross-border crime, providing humanitarian aid, among others, without the versatility of Army Aviation.”
Also participating in the ceremony, among other authorities, were the general officers of the Army High Command, present in the Federal Capital for the 360th meeting of this collegiate body, and representatives of Helibras, Airbus, and Safran, companies contracted by the Logistics Command for the modernization process of the helicopters.
Alberto Duek, President of Helibras, emphasized that “the modernization of the Pantera will allow the Army to operate in the most inhospitable environments, being able to transport up to 13 armed and equipped combatant, even with full fuel capacity; for us, as a national defense industry, it is a great honor to have received this trust from the Brazilian Army to participate in this project and to be able to serve those who serve the country”.
The scope of the Pantera modernization includes improvements such as the replacement of the analog panel with a digital one; full compatibility with the use of night vision goggles; installation of new communication systems and radio management; replacement of engines with a more powerful version (697 Kw); replacement of the tail rotor for a 10-blade, quieter one; and modernization of the main and rear transmission boxes.
The interventions renewed the life cycle of the aircraft for another 25 years of employment.
This symbolic event celebrated the modernization process of the fleet of these aircraft, initiated in 2009, which has contributed to increasing the operational capacity of the Army Aviation.
The delivery of the last modernized helicopter took place in front of Army Headquarters in Brasilia.
Army General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva, Commander of the Brazilian Army, said “The Pantera is a versatile aircraft that has already proven its ability to be employed. We have seen how the aircraft has been contributing to our operations. In Catrimani, in Roraima, it provided assistance to the Yanomami communities. In Taquari, it was essential in rescuing people and transporting materials for the mission of assisting victims of floods in Rio Grande do Sul. On our western border, it contributes to operations such as Ágata, to maintain sovereignty. There is no way to fulfill the various missions of defending the Homeland, combating cross-border crime, providing humanitarian aid, among others, without the versatility of Army Aviation.”
Also participating in the ceremony, among other authorities, were the general officers of the Army High Command, present in the Federal Capital for the 360th meeting of this collegiate body, and representatives of Helibras, Airbus, and Safran, companies contracted by the Logistics Command for the modernization process of the helicopters.
Alberto Duek, President of Helibras, emphasized that “the modernization of the Pantera will allow the Army to operate in the most inhospitable environments, being able to transport up to 13 armed and equipped combatant, even with full fuel capacity; for us, as a national defense industry, it is a great honor to have received this trust from the Brazilian Army to participate in this project and to be able to serve those who serve the country”.
The scope of the Pantera modernization includes improvements such as the replacement of the analog panel with a digital one; full compatibility with the use of night vision goggles; installation of new communication systems and radio management; replacement of engines with a more powerful version (697 Kw); replacement of the tail rotor for a 10-blade, quieter one; and modernization of the main and rear transmission boxes.
The interventions renewed the life cycle of the aircraft for another 25 years of employment.
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Comando de Aviação do Exército AS565AA Panther in
Helibras Helibras Panther K2 First Flight
