MigBuster 2,861 Posted May 27, 2015 First modernized AF-1B jet fighter delivered to the Brazilian Navy Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, May 26, 2015 – Embraer Defense & Security held the delivery ceremony, today, of the first modernized AF-1 (AF-1B) fighter jet to the Brazilian Navy at its industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, in outstate São Paulo. The ceremony was attended by the Navy Commander, Fleet Admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, and officers of the High Command of the Brazilian Navy. The AF-1 program (the name given by the Navy to the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk) provides for the revitalization and modernization of 12 subsonic jets – nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters. The AF-1 is an intercept and attack airplane operating from an aircraft carrier to provide air defense for the fleet. These modernized Navy jets received new navigation, weapons, power, tactical communications and sensor systems, plus computers and multimode state-of-the art radar. This equipment, along with the structural work that was performed, will make it possible for these jet fighters to continue operating until 2025. Embraer’s modernization program also includes supplying briefing and debriefing stations that are already being used for the training and proficiency of pilots of the VF-1 Falcão Squadron, in order to improve their use, to reduce costs, and to bring greater effectiveness to mission planning and execution. “For the Brazilian Navy, the modernization of the AF-1 aircraft at Embraer is another important step in capacitating base of Brazil’s defense industry, and the results achieved will allow Naval Aviation to operate an aircraft with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment, representing a large forward leap in the Navy’s capacity,” said Fleet Admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira, Navy Commander. “This is the first contract for systems integration that we have signed with the Brazilian Navy and, therefore, is a landmark in our relations,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The modernization of the AF-1 was a significant technological challenge, since it is a platform that we did not develop. Nevertheless, with the support and competence of the staff of the Brazilian Navy, we were able to deliver a solution that fully meets the operational needs of our client in demonstration of our commitment to the Navy’s projects.” http://www.embraer.com/en-US/ImprensaEventos/Press-releases/noticias/Pages/Embraer-Defesa-e-Seguranca-entrega-primeiro-caca-AF1B-modernizado-para-a-Marinha-do-Brasil.aspx 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stratos 3,167 Posted May 27, 2015 Good to see the old good Scooter still flying and providing good service. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Centurion-1 1,228 Posted May 27, 2015 Wonder if the original designers could ever foresee that this plane would serve into 2025.. Back then planes struggled to get 20 years of service due to the quick technical progress :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShrikeHawk 384 Posted May 27, 2015 Awesome. The Scooter is one of the great planes in history. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Typhoid 231 Posted May 28, 2015 Skyhawks forever!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted May 29, 2015 It's amazing that they still don't have a more modern replacement. Subsonic for air defense just isn't what any admiral is going to ask for. I found it telling that the benefits to the defense industry were mentioned before those for the Navy itself, because this certainly helps them more than the Navy. I mean, the Navy is better off than it was, it's just not where it would like to be. Wasn't this the plane that was supposed to be replaced by the Rafale or Gripen or whatever? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk 265 Posted May 29, 2015 It may be subsonic but it's got very supersonic missiles...... :) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
