Brazilian first P-3 Orion modernised by Airbus Military

Brazilian Minister of Defence welcomes first P-3 Orion modernised by Airbus Military into the Brazilian Air Force fleet

The delivery of the aircraft allows the Brazilian Air Force to start operations with the most modern aircraft of the type in South America.

The aircraft is the first of a fleet of nine which are undergoing a complete systems modernisation programme, including the installation of Airbus Military’s Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS).

As well as the FITS, the aircraft will benefit from a powerful new suite of mission sensors, communications systems and upgraded cockpit avionics. The engines are also updated and, depending on the condition of each individual aircraft, the structures are renovated to permit many more years of effective operation.

Two more aircraft will be delivered this year, with the remaining six aircraft to be delivered in 2012.

The Brazilian Air Force will use the aircraft for maritime patrol, anti-submarine missions and a range of civic missions including economic exclusion zone enforcement and search and rescue.

About Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. An Airbus daughter company, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 and for further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. Together with the smaller “Light & Medium” C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft able to perform the most varied missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civilian and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.


Source: 01.10.2011- www.airbusmilitary.com

Photo: Brazilian Air Force P-3 Orion (http://defesaglobal.files.wordpress.com)

(5.10.2011)