New Radar and Avionics Among Significant Changes

In late April the first modernised two-seat AF-1C SKYHAWK for the Brazilian Navy arrived with 1st Interceptor/Attack Squadron (VF-1) at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility in São Paulo state.

The aircraft is the first of seven to be modified and upgraded by Embraer. Company technicians, along with technicians from VF-1’s AF-1/iA SKYHAWK group, carried out functional checks of all the aircraft’s systems, including a thorough revision of the airframe structure and engine. The avionics suite has been modernized, with the radar being replaced by an Elta 2032 and the addition of a modern radar warning receiver.

Other modifications to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities were made to the radio and navigation systems, weapons handling, crew ejection and onboard oxygen generation systems.