Embraer delivers last upgraded AF1 Skyhawk to Brazilian Navy.

Embraer delivered on April 20 the 7th and last modernized AF-1 fighter jet (an AF-1B) to the Brazilian Navy (Marinha). The ceremony was held at Embraer's industrial unit in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo state. Under the AF-1 program (the Navy designation for the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk), five single-seat AF-1Bs and two two-seat AF-1Cs.

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 Embraer delivered on April 20 the 7th and last modernized AF-1 fighter jet (an AF-1B) to the Brazilian Navy (Marinha) (Picture source: Embraer)

The AF-1 is an interceptor and attack aircraft operated from airfields or aircraft carriers as a vector for the fleet's air defense. The Brazilian Navy's modernized aircraft received new navigation, weapons, power generation, computers, tactical communication, and sensor systems, including a state-of-the-art multi-mode radar and a new operating system. In addition to the modernization, the revitalization of the cell was carried out, increasing the aircraft’s useful life.

As part of the modernization program carried out by Embraer, a high-fidelity flight simulator was developed permitting the Brazilian Navy to carry out pilot training, thus increasing safety in its operations. 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.

As recalled by Ricardo Meier in Air Data News, the program started in 2009 with the aim of modernizing 12 A-4 Skyhawks, which were acquired from Kuwait in the 1990s. The A-4s (or AF-1s) are part of the 1st Intercept and Attack Aircraft Squadron (VF-1), based at the São Pedro d’Aldeia Naval Base, in Rio de Janeiro, and were even part of the wing aboard the aircraft carrier São Paulo (A12), deactivated in 2017. In all, the Brazilian Navy acquired 23 aircraft.