Embraer completes Skyhawk upgrade programme for Brazilian Navy
The final modernised AF-1 fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Navy was handed over by Embraer in a ceremony on 20 April. (Photo: Embraer)
Embraer has delivered the last modernised AF-1B fighter aircraft to the Brazilian Navy.
Embraer on 20 April delivered the last of seven modernised AF-1 fighter aircraft to the Brazilian Navy in a ceremony at Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo state.
AF-1 is the Brazilian Navy designation for the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Under the modernisation programme, five single-seater aircraft were overhauled to the AF-1B configuration along with a pair of two-seater Skyhawks to the AF-1C standard.
Work in the upgrade programme included new navigation, weapons, power generation, computers, tactical communication, and sensor systems, including what Embraer described as ‘a state-of-the-art multi-mode radar’.
In addition, Embraer developed a high-fidelity flight simulator to enable the Brazilian Navy to carry out pilot training.
‘Briefing and debriefing stations used in the training and proficiency of pilots were also provided to improve their use, to reduce costs and to bring greater effectiveness to mission planning and execution,’ Embraer noted.
More from Air Warfare
-
![M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force]()
M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
-
![Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025]()
Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025
The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
![Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training]()
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
