Brazil's Black Hawks complete 5,000 hours
The Brazilian Air Force's fleet of UH-60 Black Hawks have completed a milestone 5,000 flying hours.
Over 35 months since the aircraft were delivered, the UH-60Ls of 7º/8º GAV, Harpia Squadron based at Manaus have participated in humanitarian missions in Bolivia helping victims after extensive flooding and helped in the search and rescue operations associated with the recent loss of Air France flight 447 and Gol flight 1907.
Other missions have seen the H-60s involved in anti-drug operations
The helicopter also supported the Brazilian Department of State in vaccination missions, they also carried servers and ballot boxes from polling stations in isolated communities in the Amazonian interior.
The squadron has also led the way in the operation of new equipment, developing the doctrine of Combat Search and Rescue, the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and the use of the M134 machine gun.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.