The Brazilian Army has taken delivery of eight Eurocopter Cougar AS532UEs to equip its first helicopter battalion for logistical transport. The aircraft are equipped with a hoist, sling, side-mounted machine gun and ferry fuel tanks. They will be used for a range of missions, including troop deployment, logistics, and search and rescue.
The army's existing rotary-wing fleet, comprising 36 Panther AS565Ks and 36 Ecureuil AS550U2s, has been deployed since 1988, dedicated to surveillance of the vast Amazon rainforest.
The Brazilian army is now studying a mid-life upgrade to equip the fleet with night-vision capabilities and re-engine and arm the Panthers.
Source: Flight Daily News
