Mexican Air Force selects Boeing 737-800 transports

The Mexican Air Force (FAM) will procure two Boeing 737-800 aircraft as part of a MXN3.9 billion (USD254 million) programme that so far is the sole authorised procurement project in 2015.
The aircraft will be assigned to the 502nd Air Squadron based at the No 1 Military Air Base (BAM-1) Santa Lucia, in Mexico State.
The 737-800 was selected over the Boeing 737-900ER and the Airbus A320-200.
The 502nd Squadron currently uses three Boeing 727-200 airliners built in 1981 and acquired in 2002, and a single 727-100 built in 1965 and acquired in 1981 (all second hand).
janes

Mexico to Buy 15 Bell 407GX for its Air Force

Bell announced the sale of 15 Bell 407GXs to the Mexican Air Force (FAM) with deliveries to begin this year. The aircraft will be configured for a variety of parapublic missions.
The FAM have been operating Bell helicopters since 1973 with the delivery of a Bell 206-B, and their fleet currently includes a Bell 412EP, Bell 212 and Bell 206.
The Bell 407GXs will be operated by the 111th Air Squadron based at the Military Airbase in Zapopan, Jalisco.
textron

Mexican air force 787 starts VIP conversion

The government of Mexico has acquired a Boeing 787 for operation by its air force in VIP configuration and transport duties.
Now carrying air force markings and the registration TP-01/XC-MEX, the aircraft purchased by Mexico was the sixth and final flight-test example of the 787-8, and was previously named ZA006.
The Mexican air force already operates a trio of 737s and one 757-200 for VIP transport tasks.
flightglobal

Mexico orders 18 UH-60M Black Hawk

Sikorsky has been awarded a contract to build 18 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters for Mexico.
The contract,announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on 15 September, covers the manufacture of 18 'green' UH-60M helicopters for the Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana - FAM).
In procuring the UH-60M, the FAM is looking to enhance its counter-narcotics capabilities. As the most modern variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60M incorporates more powerful and reliable General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, enhanced rotor blades and a fully digital 'glass' cockpit.
janes

Mexican Air Force to buy Bell 407GX Helicopters

The Mexican Air Force (FAM) plans to spend USD554 million on four new projects that would buy a total of 23 aircraft.
The first project is to buy 14 Bell 407GX light helicopters that are to be configured for narcotics eradication and armed escort missions.
Bell 407GXs are to operate in pairs, with one helicopter performing aerial spraying of marijuana or poppy plantations while covered by an armed escort. The Bell 407GXs will replace similarly configured Bell 206B/Ls operated by the 111th Air Squadron based at No.5 Military Airbase (BAM-5) in Zapopan, Jalisco.
janes

Mexico orders next batch of T-6C+ Texan IIs

The Mexican Air Force (FAM) has issued a follow-up contract for a fourth batch of Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II armed trainers.
This project is the largest so far and follows three previous tranches for 24 Texans, which were procured to equip the Air Force Air Tactical Military School at the No.11 Military Air Base (BAM-11) in Santa Gertrudis, Chihuahua, and the 402nd Air Squadron based at BAM-2 in Ixtepec, Oaxaca.
The new aircraft are to begin replacing the Pilatus PC-7 light interceptor and close air support aircraft that has been in service with the 201st, 202nd, and 203rd Air Squadrons.
janes

Mexico selects Grob trainer

The Mexican Air Force (FAM) has selected the Grob Aircraft G120TP twin-seat turboprop as its new elementary trainer.
A deal worth USD110 million for 25 G120TPs, along with a flight simulator and logistics support plus options on a further 15, was first reported by local media on 21 July.
The contract has yet to be signed, but is imminent. The FAM expects that an initial batch of G120TP is to be delivered by February 2015, when the service celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The selection is part of a major overhaul of Mexico's Military Education System contained in the 2013-18 National Defense Programme, which also includes the T-6C Texan II advanced trainer and emphasises on the use of flight simulators.
janes

First Completed T-6C Trainers Delivered to Mexico

Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) announced the first four of six Beechcraft T-6C+ military trainers ordered by the Mexican Air Force (FAM) were delivered in a ceremony this week at Santa Lucia Air Force Base in Reyes Acozac, Mexico. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in time for Mexico’s Independence Day celebration on Sept. 16.

FAM’s order is the first for the new T-6C+, an enhanced version of the T-6 military trainer aircraft. It is capable of carrying external stores and delivering practice weapons for training purposes, and will replace the FAM’s aging PC-7 fleet. The FAM will use the T-6C+ for intermediate to advanced tactics including air-to-ground weapons employment capabilities and training.

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