Brazilian Navy takes delivery of final upgraded AF-1 fighter

Global aerospace company Embraer has delivered the final modernized AF-1 fighter jet (AF-1B) to the Brazilian Navy.

The delivery ceremony was held on 20 April at Embraer’s industrial unit in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo state. Under the AF-1 program (the navy designation for the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk), seven subsonic fighter jets were modernized – five single-seater AF-1Bs and two two-seaters AF-1Cs.

As part of the modernization program carried out by Embraer, a high-fidelity flight simulator was developed permitting the Brazilian Navy to carry out pilot training, thus increasing safety in its operations.

Briefing and debriefing stations used in the training and proficiency of pilots were also provided to improve their use, reduce costs and bring greater effectiveness to mission planning and execution, the firm noted.

The AF-1 is an intercept and attack aircraft operated from airfields or aircraft carriers as a vector for the fleet’s air defense.

The Brazilian Navy’s modernized aircraft received new navigation, weapons, power generation, computers, tactical communication, and sensor systems, including multi-mode radar and a new operating system.

In addition to the modernization, the revitalization of the cell was carried out, increasing the aircraft’s useful life.

Modernization provides pilots a situational awareness and familiarity with modern combat aircraft systems operations—essential and relevant criteria for the current combat scenario, the company concluded.