SAGEM (SAFRAN) has signed an ITP (“Intention to Proceed”) agreement with HELIBRAS concerning the production of 30 autopilot systems for Brazil's Panther helicopters. The autopilot is part of the helicopter's automatic flight control system (AFCS), along with the attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and various actuators.
With this latest agreement, SAGEM further extends its production and support capabilities in Brazil. This programme will be conducted by OPTOVAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAGEM.
Located in São José dos Campos, Optovac will produce the flight controls on Brazilian Panther and Caracal H225M (exEC725) helicopters and will offer support capabilities. SAGEM and OPTOVAC have invested in the development of innovative avionics and optronics solutions since 2012 to meet the needs of Brazilian armed forces.
SAGEM already contributes to several programs in Brazil, including flight controls and navigation systems for the Caracal and Fennec helicopters, and optronic masts for four Scorpène class submarines built by French naval shipyard DCNS. Sagem also makes the flight controls for all Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft deployed in Brazil, and provides the horizontal stabilizer trim system for Embraer's new KC-390 transport aircraft.
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SAGEM, a high-tech company of SAFRAN, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems.
Operating across the globe through the SAFRAN group, SAGEM and its subsidiaries employ 7,600 people in Europe, Pacific Asia, North America and south America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.
For more information: www.sagem.com
