Meet the Brazilian Army Aviation

Historic

Experiences and findings from war conflicts after World War II showed the need for ground military force to dominate and utilize the lower airspace, seeking tactical mobility and increased combat power. Following the evolution of other armies, the Brazilian Army became aware of the need to deploy its own aviation and thus provide greater power, mobility and flexibility to the Ground Force. Seeking the modernization and adaptation of the Force to the new scenario, in the 1980s, the Army General Staff began doctrinal studies of the use of rotary wing aircraft for the benefit of surface forces.

The studies culminated in the creation of the Army Aviation Material Directorate (DMAvEx) and the 1st Army Aviation Battalion (1st BAvEx) in 1986. Physically, Aviation began to take shape with the installation of the 1st BAvEx in the city of Taubaté. SP, in January 1988. This location was chosen, among others, for its strategic position on the Rio – São Paulo axis and for its proximity to important aviation industrial and research centers, such as Embraer, Helibras and Centro Técnico. Aerospace. Another milestone of the implementation was the competition held in 1987, which culminated in the acquisition of 16 HB 350 L1 – Squirrel (HA-1) and 36 SA – 365 K Pantera (HM-1) Helicopters from the Aeroespatiale / Helibras Consortium and the delivery, in April 1989, of the first Esquilo helicopter to 1º BAvEx. Upon receipt of the 52 aircraft acquired and in view of the reorganization of AvEx and the need for more helicopters, by means of an amendment to the contract with the Aeroespatiale / Helibras consortium, a lot of 20 AS 550 A2 FENNEC (Anv version) was purchased. HA-1).

As a result of the participation of the Brazilian Army in the Peru-Ecuador Military Observers Mission (MOMEP), four S70-A (Black Hawk) aircraft were acquired in 1997. After the mission was completed, the aircraft proceeded from the Peru-Ecuador Border to Brazil, and in 1999, they joined the 4th Army Aviation Squadron, based in Manaus-AM. The pioneers of recent aviation had their formation in the sister forces and, after absorbing, mixing, adapting and improving the knowledge obtained in the Navy and Air Force, it was possible to create a pole of diffusion of such knowledge in AvEx itself, which today, besides formulating and establish doctrines inherent in aviation, it is capable of forming its own specialists. Hundreds of students, officers, and plazas currently have courses or internships held at AvEx, many of which are distributed throughout Brazil, taking with it the seed of aviation ideals. Each day AvEx is consolidating itself as a capable and exemplary aviation, not only in the national scenario but also in the international one. There are more than 90,000 hours flown, operating in diverse regions and climates, whether in the caatinga or in the Amazon, in the pampas or in the city. It is surprising for its ability to operate at distances dictated by the continental dimensions of this country. It stands out for its versatility because, in addition to supporting the ground military force, it assists the community in carrying out civic-social actions, aeromedical rescue, search and rescue, support in public calamities and so many other activities that raise the name of the institution. Army Aviation is a pride for the whole olive heart, because it is the bulwark of efficiency and modernity, symbol of the Brazilian Army on the threshold of the third millennium.

Source: Aviação do Exército / Video: Marcos Aurelio

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