The Brazilian Navy has ordered three H135 light twinengine helicopters to be operated by the 1st General Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HU-1).

According to Airbus, the aircraft is being procured for special operations, transport of troops and freight, naval inspection, search and rescue and medical evacuation.

Two of these aircraft will be equipped with aeromedical kits. Other equipment will include a cargo hook, an emergency flotation system, a winch, as well as weather radar.

The aircraft, which will replace the current light twin-engine AS355s, could also carry out missions in the frame of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme in the near future.

The H135 is also one of the contenders in the US Navy’s helicopter trainer replacement program.

“We are extremely happy to sign this contract, which consolidates and extends the partnership we have had for over 40 years with the Brazilian Navy, our very first customer in the country,” said Richard Marelli, Helibras president and Airbus head of country in Brazil.

Airbus’ Brazilian subsidiary Helibras is already delivering H225M helicopters to the Brazilian Navy as part of the Brazilian H-XBR Program which will see Helibras deliver a total of 50 H225Ms to the Brazilian armed forces.

The Brazilian Navy is set to receive a total of 16 units for anti-surface warfare and maritime surveillance aboard the recently-acquired helicopter carrier PHM Atlantico and the amphibious ship NDM Bahia, among other missions.