The three H135 light twin-engine helicopters will be operated by the 1st General Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HU-1). Credit: © Jonny Carroll.

Airbus has received an order from the Brazilian Navy to deliver three H135 light twin-engine helicopters, which will replace the existing light twin-engine AS355s.

The new H135 helicopters will be operated by the 1st General Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HU-1) at São Pedro da Aldeia Naval Air Base.

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The aircraft will be deployed to perform missions such as special operations, transport of troops and freight, naval inspection, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuation.

The helicopters could also be used to undertake missions as part of the Brazilian Antarctic Programme in the near future, Airbus noted.

“The H135’s low operating costs and excellent availability rate make it the ideal helicopter to fulfil the navy’s challenging missions and needs.”

Airbus Brazil country head Richard Marelli said: “We are extremely happy to sign this contract, which consolidates and extends the partnership we have had for over 40 years with the Brazilian Navy, our very first customer in the country.

“The H135’s low operating costs and excellent availability rate make it the ideal helicopter to fulfil the navy’s challenging missions and needs.”

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The company added that two of the multi-role aircraft to be delivered to the navy will feature aeromedical kits, a cargo hook, an emergency flotation system, a winch, and weather radar.

Under the contract, Airbus will also provide a comprehensive HCare support and services package.

The firm has so far delivered more than 1,280 H135 helicopters to over 60 countries.

The H135 comes with two FADEC-equipped engine options, Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arrius 2B2plus and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 206B3, and is fitted with a bearingless main rotor, Airbus’ Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, engine software modifications, and a new lateral air intake.