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July 14, 2014 / 2:20 PM

Brazil receives first all locally made EC-725 helicopter

Helibras, the Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, has delivered to the military the first EC-725 helicopter completely made in the country.

Airbus Helicopter's EC-725. (Photo: Brazilian Air Force)

Airbus Helicopter's EC-725. (Photo: Brazilian Air Force)

BRASILIA, Brazil, July 14 (UPI) -- The first long-range EC-725 tactical transport helicopter completely built in Brazil has been delivered to the Brazilian Navy by Helibras.

Helibras is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, which was formally known as Eurocopter.

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The Brazilian Ministry of Defense and Eurocopter in 2008 signed an agreement for procurement or 50 EC-725s, with provisions enabling the transfer of production of the aircraft from France to Brazil.

So far, Brazil has taken delivery of 13 aircraft: four for the Navy, four for the Army, three for the Air Force and two for the Air Force Command.

According to the manufacturer, the previously delivered helicopters were built in France but outfitted in Brazil with re-equipping items, electrical and mechanical equipment, transmission, rotors and all basic configuration equipment.

A delivery schedule for future EC-725s was not disclosed.

The EC-725 Super Cougar, known as the Caracal in Brazil, can carry as many as 25 fully equipped soldiers. It has a cruise speed of 177 miles per hour and a range of 463 nautical miles.

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