Helibras delivers to Brazil its second H-225M helicopter with anti-surface capability

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian Navy received from Helibras, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, the second AH-15B ASuW helicopter, registration N-4102.

This is the thirteenth H-225M aircraft delivered by Helibras to the Brazilian Navy and its Naval Aviation, within the H-XB Project, and the second in its naval version with anti-surface capability, making this the most complex fleet of H-225Ms in the world.

FEATURES

The Brazilian AH-15Bs have state-of-the-art systems, can be armed with two Exocet AM39 B2M2 anti-surface missiles, and are equipped with the Chaff & Flare self-protection system and electronic countermeasures.

The APS-143 tactical radar works in conjunction with FLIR Star Safire III equipment, all integrated into the tactical mission data management system (N-TDMS).

The Materiel Sector provides the Fleet Operating Sector with a significant vector of embarked aircraft that significantly expands the defense and surveillance capabilities of the Blue Amazon.

ANTI-SURFACE WARFARE

Anti-surface warfare (ASUW or ASuW) is the branch of naval warfare concerned with suppressing surface combatants. More generally, it is any weapons, sensors, or operations intended to attack or limit the effectiveness of an adversary’s surface ships.

Before the adoption of submarine and naval aviation, all naval warfare was anti-surface warfare. Therefore, the distinct concept of an ASuW capability is post-WW2, and literature on the subject as a separate discipline is inherently dominated by the dynamics of the Cold War.

ASUW can be divided into four categories based on the platform from which weapons are launched:

Air (or aviation): Anti-surface warfare conducted by aircraft. Historically, this was conducted primarily through level- or dive-bombing and strafing runs (and in some cases by suicide (Kamikaze) attack). Today, air ASUW is generally conducted by stand-off attacks using air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) or air-to-surface missiles (ASM).

Surface: Anti-surface warfare conducted by warships. Warships can use torpedoes, guns, surface-to-surface missiles, or mines. UAVs represent an emerging technology. Asymmetric methods include the suicide boat.

Submarine: Anti-surface warfare conducted by submarines. Historically, this was conducted using torpedoes and deck guns. More recently, the submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) has become a preferred anti-ship weapon, offering a significantly longer range.

Shore/Space: Historically, this refers to shore bombardment from artillery and cannon. Today, coastal-launched cruise or ballistic missiles are considerably more common. Further, ground-controlled satellites may provide datum on fleet movements.