The Brazilian Navy has received its second H135 from helicopter manufacturer Airbus on July 10.
Referred to as UH-17 by the navy, the second of overall three helicopters to be delivered under a contract from 2019 will support the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR), flying from ships operating in the region.
PROANTAR is the Brazilian government’s program to support research in Antarctica, with two research vessels sailing in the region’s waters.
The first two aircraft, N-7090 and N-7091, feature aeromedical kits and equipment while all three units have a cargo hook, an emergency flotation system, a winch, as well as weather radar.
The H135s are replacing the current light twin-engine AS355s in service with the Brazilian Navy. They will support a range of missions such as special operations, transport of troops and freight, naval inspection, search and rescue and medical evacuation.
Brazil received the first unit from Airbus subsidiary Helibras in February this year.
