Eurocopter Technology Transfer Sees Brazilian-made Countermeasure System Integrated on Military Aircraft

Sep 17, 2013 ASDNews Source : EADS

Helibras has successfully completed flight testing of a chaff and flare countermeasures dispensing system for EC725 helicopters, completing a first-of-its-kind system integration project in Brazil and marking another key phase in Eurocopter’s contract to supply 50 of these Super Puma/Cougar family rotorcraft to the Brazilian armed forces.

Six flights were performed with the self-protection system – which is used to detect and identify threats to the aircraft and confuse heat-seeking and radar-guided missiles – validating its operation and integration with the helicopter’s other functions. The system was developed by Helibras’ Engineering Center under the supervision of Chief Engineer Walter Filho.

Performed by a Brazilian Helibras crew of flight test pilot Patrik Correa and flight test engineer Dreyfus Silva, the airborne evaluations checked the dispensing of flares and chaff throughout the EC725’s entire flight envelope – using one of the helicopters produced for the Brazilian armed forces.

These flights occurred at Santa Cruz Air Base near Rio de Janeiro and were made possible through the cooperation of Helibras with the Brazilian Air Force, and coordinated through Brazil’s national Aerospace Technology and Science Department. The Brazilian Navy provided one of its Eurocopter Super Puma AS332 L1 helicopters to accompany the EC725 in flight, ensuring the tests were carried out safely.

The self-protection system’s in-country development is part of Eurocopter’s ambitious technology transfer program, enabling Brazilian defense organizations and companies to enhance their technical capabilities while opening significant growth opportunities for the nation’s industry. The program currently comprises several industrial cooperation projects and offset activities.