Sikorsky helicopters enter Brazil service

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Two Sikorsky Seahawk helicopters entered service Thursday in Brazil with the country's anti-submarine helicopter squadron.

Induction of the MH-16s into the Brazilian navy took place at the Naval Air Station at São Pedro da Aldeia in Rio de Janeiro state.

The Brazilian Ministry of Defense said two more Seahawks will enter service this year. Two additional aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the U.S. company by 2014.

The helicopters feature a fuel system that allows 5 hours of continuous flight at speeds as much as 160 knots. They are also fitted with state-of-the-art sensors. Weaponry includes a machine gun, anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

In addition to anti-submarine duties, the navy also intends to use the aircraft in search-and-rescue missions.

The helicopters will be used for a wide range of missions including surveillance, detection, localization, tracking, identification and engagement of submarines and surface targets and search-and-rescue missions.