These deliveries
follow the signature in Brasília of an amend ment standardizing
the modifications introduced to the helicopter’s enhanced configuration
– which will be assessed by AvEx ’s various battalions dur
ing mission operations. Should these evaluations prove favorable, Helibras
will continue modernizing the remaining 32 AS365 K Panthers in the Brazilian
Army’s inventory through 2021. Helibras’ Panther K2 is the
first helicopter to be fully certified in Br az il by the country’s
Aerospace Technology and Science Department (DCTA).
It is a landmark achievement for the Itajubá, Brazil - based
Helibras, as this particular version has been developed entirely in
Brazil. Featuring state - of - the - art equipment and systems, the
Panther K2 upgrade will enable Brazil’s AS3 65s to remain operational
for another 25 years. The contract value for modernizing all 34 Panthers
in Brazilian Army service is 347 million Brazilian reals.
“The modernization of military aircraft such as the Panther K2
is taking place in fleets with hi - tech assets and a high purchase
value , be they fleets of helicopter s, airplanes or ships ,”
said Helibras CEO Eduardo Marson, who sees the upgrading of the Panther
s as a strategic step forward in his company’s expansion program.
“
This upgrade effort allow s Helibras to gain expertise in the key tec
hnologie s offered in high - performance aircraft types such as the
Dauphin family – on which the Panther military helicopter is based
– and opens the way for the development of new projects through
the company’s engineering center,” he added. “ The
Super Puma and Cougar helicopters are examples of this , and just by
introducing a process whereby old parts are replaced by more modern
systems , we are able to extend their service life for 25 years at least.
”Helibras Manufacturing Vice President Richard Marelli said the
company’s engineering center was responsible for the Panther K2’s
preliminary and detailed designs for the enhancement. “ As part
of the process , a team of engineers and mechanics received on-the-job
training at Airbus Helicopters with a view to ward specialization in
major operations,” he continued.
“The program also included training for pilots and instructors.
” The Panther K2 has been fitted with new Arriel 2C2CG engines
that deliver 40 percent more power, new engine fairings, a new glass
cockpit with a 4 - axis autopilot, new wiring and a cable - cutting
device . In addition to night vision goggle - compatibility , the helicopter
also features a new altimeter and weather radar , the latest navigation
and communication radios and a new tail rotor – significantly
improving performance and safety.
These changes provide a helicopter with greater range, more speed and
reduced pilot workload. The Panther K2 has capacity for one or two pilot
s and 10 troops , a maximum takeoff weight of 4, 300 kg ., and a top
speed of 175 kts. – which is increased from 150 kts . prior to
its upgrade.
