Brazilian helicopter manufacturer Helibras, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, has selected Safran Engineering Services as the design authority to supply the installation design and full integration of multiple avionics communication and navigation systems, including a sophisticated new Glass Cockpit System from Sagem (Safran), as well as the integration of the auto-pilot system, for the modernization of 34 Esquilo and Fennec helicopters of the Brazilian Army. Safran will also support the DCTA certification.

“We are impressed by the dedication, attention to detail and overall customer support and performance displayed by Safran Engineering on this complex project. We look forward to work on future opportunities” said Didier Cormary, Vice President Programs, Helibras.

“We are fully committed to support Helibras on this strategic project and we look forward to establish a long term partnership. Our engineering and certification capabilities are uniquely positioned to support this project, the first of many in Brazil” declared Ricardo Varela, Safran Engineering Services GM.

“This selection is the first stand alone contract of engineering for Safran in Brazil and widens our long term partnership with Helibras already developed through Turbomeca and Sagem companies” stated Gérald Farrenc, Safran SVP Brazil Programs.

Safran has been operating in Brazil for well over three decades developing long term industrial partnerships. Today, Safran employs more than 1 000 people in the country and its development has been largely channeled through its subsidiaries, Turbomeca do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro, Morpho do Brasil in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and now Sagem’s newly acquired Brazilian subsidiary, Optovac.

Safran Engineering Services, subsidiary of Labinal, offers high technology engineering services in aerospace and ground transportation industry. With its 3,000 engineers and technicians, engaged within several Business Units around the world (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, United States, Mexico, Morocco, India and Brazil ) it is organized into competence centers combining expertise in the areas of Electrical Systems, Aerostructures, Mechanical Systems, Software and Electronic Embedded Systems, and Certification and Safety.