Eurocopter’s Brazilian subsidiary 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 a key phase in Eurocopter’s contract to supply 50 Super Puma/Cougar family rotorcraft to the Brazilian armed forces.
Six flights were performed with the self-protection system, validating its operation and integration with the helicopter’s other functions.
Performed by a Brazilian Helibras crew, 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.
The self-protection system’s in-country development is part of Eurocopter’s technology transfer program, enabling Brazilian defense organisations and companies to enhance their technical capabilities while opening significant growth opportunities for the nation’s industry.
To date, seven EC725s for the Brazilian armed forces have been delivered in the first phase of Brazil’s acquisition and an eighth will be delivered before the end of the year.
