Ecuador Army Aviation acquires 5 second-hand Airbus H225 Super Puma helicopters.

Ecuador has officially confirmed its acquisition of five Airbus H225 (AS332) Super Puma helicopters for deployment within the Army. The aircraft will be deployed in anti-drug and anti-terrorist operations, Erich Saumeth reports in Infodefensa.

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Super Puma of the Equatorian armed forces (Picture source: Guayaquil Aviation)

These helicopters will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation (AAE), particularly in the execution of anti-drug and anti-terrorism missions conducted across various regions of the country, with a notable focus on the Northern Border.

These aircraft are procured as second-hand assets, boasting approximately 2,000 flight hours of prior use. The acquisition process was conducted directly with Airbus, which also includes comprehensive logistical and spare parts support for the helicopter fleet.

The rationale behind this purchase, as stated by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense, is grounded in the necessity for specialized resources capable of being deployed in search, aerial rescue, and recovery missions, especially considering the impending arrival of the El Niño phenomenon.

As specified by the manufacturer, these helicopters can accommodate up to 28 passengers, in addition to two pilots. They possess a payload capability of up to 4,750 kg, a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg, an operational range of 1,119 km, and can reach maximum speeds of up to 262 km/h, thanks to their two Safran Helicopter Engines Makila 2A1 engines that drive the five blades of their 16.2-meter diameter main rotor. These helicopters are anticipated to remain operational until at least 2050.