The Brazilian defence ministry has selected EADS Casa as the winner of two long-running air force competitions. The C295 has been selected to meet the CLX tactical transport requirement while the FITS maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare system has been selected to upgrade Lockheed MartinP-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
Together the wins are potentially worth $596 million, with local companies Varig VEM and Rolls-Royce Brazil due to provide services and technical support.
The CLX deal is worth $326 million for 12 C295s, with a further 12 expected to be purchased after 2004. The transports will replace de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalos and later BAe 748s. First deliveries are expected 18 months after contract signature.
Brazil's PX programme includes airframe and engine overhaul, and modernisation of eight of the 12 ex-US Navy P-3Bs acquired by the air force. Planning calls for the first overhauled and upgraded P-3 to be delivered 30 months after contract signature, which is expected in early 2003.
Source: Flight International
