The Brazilian air force has performed the first flight of an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante transport to have been equipped with modern avionics equipment.
Designated by the service as the C/P-95, the aircraft has had several new systems installed by Israeli firm Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, Aeroeletronica. The work has included the integration of two new multifunction displays per pilot, plus a digital map and replacement communication and navigation equipment.
"These new, cutting edge avionics systems are destined to meet the high standards of newly manufactured aircraft, specifically in flight safety and mission performance in harsh weather conditions," says Elbit.
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© Aeroeletronica |
The Brazilian air force has an active fleet of 96 EMB-110s, as listed in Flightglobal's MiliCAS database. In addition to performing transport duties, the type is also used by the service for tasks including electronic warfare, maritime patrol, reconnaissance and search and rescue.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engines, the aircraft involved in the recent flight test entered operational use in 1984, says MiliCAS.
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© Aeroeletronica |
The improved cockpit will boost safety and mission performance, says Elbit |
"We believe that additional international customers undergoing similar upgrade programmes will follow the Brazilian air force, and will choose to upgrade their fleets with our advanced systems," says Aeroeletronica operational vice-president Vitor Jaime Neves in an Elbit-released statement.
Other current operators of the Embraer-built EMB-110 are the air forces of Colombia, Gabon and Uruguay, plus the Chilean navy.
For detailed information on the global Bandeirante fleet, download Flightglobal's World Air Forces directory
Source: Flight International