XEREM, Brazil, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A Brazilian subsidiary of France's Safran Group has expanded its helicopter engine facility.
The expanded plant features a new assembly line and testing lines for Makila 2 engines and Saphir 20 auxiliary power units used on EC225/725 helicopters the Brazilian military is to receive from a local subsidiary of Eurocopter.
Turbomeca do Brasil said the engines and power units it will produce for the 50 helicopters will be installed on the aircraft by helicopter manufacturer Helibras.
The expanded facility, under a 2011 support contract with Brazil's Ministry of Defense, will also maintain and overhaul all Makila 2 engines already in use in the country.
"This expansion is the result of the important growth of the helicopter market in Brazil and in Latin America and of our commitment to bring the closest support to our civil and military customers," said Turbomeca do Brasil President Francois Haas.
Turbomeca has operated in Brazil since 1977.
