Article Posted on : - Aug 07, 2012

S-70B Seahawk helicopter.

BRASILIA (BNS): The Brazilian Navy has received the first pair of S-70B Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters, a news report said.

The two helicopters designated MH-16 in Brazil, will undergo a series of tests before receiving the formal adoption of the service scheduled for 23 August.

The helicopters will replace the Brazilian Navy's SH-3A/B Sea King helicopters which will be withdrawn from service by 2015, a Janes HIS news report said.

Brazil is procuring six S-70Bs via the US Foreign Military Sales programme. Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to complete in 2014.

The multi-role S-70B Seahawks will be used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, surveillance, gunfire support and search-and-rescue missions.