These first three helicopters were provided in a standard configuration and will undergo final outfitting in Brazil. Eurocopter and Helibras pilots and technicians performed delivery flight tests, which were followed by acceptance evaluations carried out by Brazilian Armed Forces representatives - whose personnel have been in training since May to operate and maintain the EC725s.

While these helicopters were built by Eurocopter in France and finalized in Helibras, Brazilian assembly of EC725 will begin in 2012 at Helibras' new production facility in Itajuba. Their Brazilian-supplied content will increase to a minimum of 50 per cent through 2016, when the final EC725s from the 50-aircraft order are delivered.

The EC725 program will contribute significantly to the growth of Helibras' industrial capacity and staff through an investment of KR$420 million, providing the subsidiary with manufacturing and maintenance capabilities for medium and large helicopters, and thereby becoming an important operation in South America for Eurocopter and its EADS parent company.

Established in 1978, Helibras currently has 450 employees and a plant area of 14,000 square meters at Itajuba, where it has been located since 1980. By the end of 2011, the Itajuba facility's surface area is to nearly double, with its workforce increasing to more than 600.

Taking into account the anticipated growth in manufacturing and maintenance activities for military and civilian aircraft at Helibras, the company's employee count is forecasted to reach 1,000 in three years. This planned growth includes the eventual production of the EC725 helicopter's civilian EC225 version, which already is in service with Brazil's oil sector.

Helibras' new facility at Itajuba is being built to eco-efficient sustainability criteria, including the use of recyclable materials, modular structures with low maintenance costs, solar panels, natural lighting, air circulation circuits and rainwater recovery systems.

For the Brazilian Armed Forces' 50-helicopter contract, a team representing the country's Army, Navy and Air Force is now present at Helibras' facility in Itajuba.

Called the Group of Monitoring and Control (GAC), it oversees all topics related to the new EC725s, and will be composed of 16 members at the peak of in-country manufacturing for the helicopters. Its responsibilities range from quality control and material inspection to the delivery reception of the EC725s.

In the commitment of Helibras and Eurocopter to provide manufacturing activity for the Brazilian industry as part of the Brazilian Armed Forces' EC725, the first contracts have been signed with suppliers in the country.

The initial companies committed to provide parts for the Brazilian EC725s are InbraAerospace, a manufacturer of composite components and Toyo Matic, which produces machining parts for the aeronautical industry.

Inbra will supply composite tail boom fairings as well as intermediary structures in composites. Toyo Matic will machine the main rotor hub sleeve - a complex part that will be produced using 4- and 5-axis machines.

The EC725 being acquired by the Brazilian Armed Forces is the latest version of Eurocopter's Super Puma/Cougar family. This 11-metric-ton medium twin-engine helicopter is equipped with a five-blade rotor and a large capacity fuel tank, providing enhanced performance and a greater flight endurance.

It was designed to perform multiple missions, such as combat search and rescue, long-distance tactical airlift, air ambulance transport, logistics support and naval missions.

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