Brazilian Navy (Marinha Do Brazil) Naval Aviation Airbus H225M helicopter took off from the Foudre-class landing platform dock ‘NDM Bahia’ to conduct a firing trial of an air-launched Exocet AM39 B2M2 anti-ship missile. The success of the recent firing campaign with Exocet AM39 B2M2 missiles paves the way for the certification of the Naval H225M, to be handed over to the Naval Aviation later this year. The missile was fired against the ex. Inhaúma-class corvette ‘Jaceguai’ – a ship decomissionned in 2019. It hit the corvette’s bow leading to its sinking.
The Mission Tactical System Naval installed on H225M allows the commander of the mission to establish and evaluate complex tactical-operational situation in the cockpit. The development and manufacturing of this new naval version were conducted under the leadership of Helibras in collaboration with ATECH and ADS, responsible for tactical naval mission system that is the heart of missile integration with the aircraft and sensors; and Avibras and Mectron that perform motorization missile Exocet AM39 B2M2, manufactured by MBDA.
The Exocet AM39 B2M2 (B2 Mod 2) is the airborne version of the Exocet anti-ship missile family. It can be launched from strike aircraft, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and helicopters. The AM39 B2M2 version deployed on 14 types of aircraft (combat jets, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters). Range between 50 and 70 km, depending on the altitude and the speed of the launch aircraft. The Exocet (French for “flying fish”) is a French-built anti-ship missile whose various versions can be launched from surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. Brazilian H225Ms are equipped with a Helibras-built countermeasures suite, which includes chaff and flares to confuse radar and heat-guided missiles respectively; Thales has also produced self-protection systems to equip French EC725s. The Exocet anti-ship missile has also been integrated upon Brazilian Navy EC725s.
