Chilean Army launches training aircraft replacement programme

The Chilean Army Aviation Brigade (Brigada de Aviación del Ejército - BAVE) opened a tender to procure an unspecified number of basic training aircraft on 26 June and closed the tender on 1 July, but a winner has yet to be announced.
The new aircraft is meant to replace the Cessna R172K Hawk XP II basic trainers at the Army Aviation School (Escuela de Aviación del Ejercito - ESCAVE), which were retired from service in June 2013. The BAVE originally procured 18 Hawk XP IIs in 1977 and used them for training and liaison.
The tender indicates that ESCAVE will resume its own basic training programme after it had participated in the Chilean Air Force-run Joint Fixed-Wing Military Pilot Course (CCPMAF), a 6-month course with 100 hours of flight instruction performed mainly on ENAER T-35 Pillán piston-engine trainers.
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Chilean Army looking to add attack helicopters

On the final day of the annual U.S. and Chilean army staff talks, Chilean Officers met with leaders of the Texas Military Forces,.
The strategic planning conference was hosted by the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade and provided Chilean leadership the opportunity to evaluate current Army aviation helicopters as well as get an inside perspective on various counter drug operations, to include the southwest border mission.
Lt. Col. Chilean army operations officer, has worked with the Texas Military Forces on multiple occasions and believes the domestic aviation operations of the Chilean army and Texas National Guard is similar. On this trip, he hopes to learn more than just new tactics, techniques and procedures.
One of the chilean goals is to find the Chilean army some new helicopters. Chilean Army hasmany transport helicopters, but are looking to add attack helicopters.
Among the equipment on display was the UH-72 Lakota, which provides an aerial platform equipped with visual and infrared cameras and high-powered searchlights capable of providing an eye in the sky.
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Chile to buy surplus U.S. armored amphibious vehicles

Chile will buy surplus U.S. stock of a dozen AAV7 armored amphibious vehicles for its new sea-borne Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade.
Officials say the vehicles are being acquired from excess inventory of U.S. stockpiles but will be upgraded before they are put into service.
spacewar

Chile opts for Israeli UAV SpyLite mini-UAV system

BlueBird Aero Systems revealed that the Chilean Army has purchased its SpyLite mini-UAV system.
The number of systems bought was not revealed but each system consists of three UAVs, a ground control station and associated equipment.

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Chile’s first UAV makes first flight

Chile's Lascar unmanned aircraft prototype made its first flight on 23 November in the country's Bío region. The aircraft, the country's first unmanned air vehicle, has been in development since 2008 and was designed by the Chilean army in conjunction with the University of Concepción and the private sector.

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