Brazilian Air Force Formally Inducts New Mi-35 into Service as AH-2 Sabre
20 Apr 2010
The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB) formally inducted three newly acquired Mi-35M 'Hind' helicopters into service on April 17, 2010. Named the AH-2 Sabre in FAB service, the attack helicopters are based at Porto Velho air base, in Rondônia, equipping the second squadron of the 8º Grupo de Aviação (2/8º GAV).
The Brazilian Air Force ordered a total of 12 Mi-35M helicopters to provide protection in the Amazon region, carrying out air policing, border security and counter-narcotics operations. The contract was signed on November 23, 2008. Air and ground crew began training in Russia in the spring of 2009. The first helicopter destined for Brazil made it maiden flight on August 22, 2009, at Rostvertol's facility in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The first three AH-2 Sabres (8951, 8952, 8953) were delivered to Porto Velho by one An-124 of Volga-Dnepr on December 16, 2009. The remaining helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in July 2010, April 2011, and February 2012 in batches of three.
The AH-2 Sabre is the first purposely-designed combat helicopter to be operated by the Brazilian Air Force. The Sabre presents an important capability leap for helicopter aviation in Brazil in both firepower and mission capability. In addition to close air support, interdiction and escorting other helicopters, the Hind can also transport troops and carry out slow-mover intercepts.
Designed in the mid-to-late 1990s, the Mi-35M is a much improved version of the Mi-24 Hind, first delivered to Venezuela in 2006. Service-life and performance Improvements included the rotor system, up-rated Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft, shortened stub wings and non-retractable landing gear. It is equipped with a night-capable weapons system and thermal imaging sight, NVG-compatible cockpits with multi-functional displays and GPS-assisted navigation equipment. Armament consists of the twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon on a chin-mounted moving turret. It can be armed with a variety of unguided rockets, Ataka anti-tank missiles, and Igla-V air-to-air missiles for anti-air and self-defence. Other defensive improvements include the heat-suppressing exhaust boxes, countermeasures system and in terms of armour protection and robustness the Mi-35M presents a quantum leap in survivability compared to its predecessor in FAB service.
Previously the UH-50 Esquilo (Helibras HB.350B), a license-produced Eurocopter AS.350B Squirrel, was used as attack helicopter. The 2/8º GAV formalled retired the UH-50 on December 14, 2009, at its previous location Base Aérea Recife. The UH-50 completed 22 years of FAB service with around 55,000 flight hours.
2024
9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News
Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans
SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.
A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.
Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
2022
12 January 2022 | ACC
Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip
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2021
20 May 2021 | RAF
Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows
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14 March 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces
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11 March 2021 | USAF News
Air Force receives first F-15EX
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25 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight
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17 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year
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2020
23 March 2020 | RAF
Training update for the Red Arrows
… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News
Air Show Cancellations
The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.
13 March 2020 | ACC
U.S. Air Force update for air show support
"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "
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