from unprepared runways.
The P-295 features the
Airbus Fully Integrated Tactical
System (FITS), equipping it to
perform electronic intelligence
(ELINT) and communications
intelligence (COMINT) missions
via the radar suite, electro-optical
(EO) system and sensors.
Chile’s ASW version was the
first Persuader equipped with
a magnetic anomaly detector
(MAD). This variant also has
hardpoints to carry Mk46 Mod
5 lightweight ASW torpedoes, a
sonobuoy launcher with SPAS-16
processor, an IAI Elta ELM-2220A
synthetic aperture radar and an
auto-detection complex with radar
warning receiver (RWR), missile
approach warning sensor (MAWS),
laser warning receiver (LWR)
and chaff and flare dispensers
for self-defence. For tactical
missions the aircraft is equipped
with Link 11 data link, providinginteroperability with warships and
aircraft such as the P-3ACH.
Persuader operations focus on
protecting maritime interests,
especially on the Chilean-Peruvian
maritime border, where they
have been frequently used to
monitor commercial fishing and
established boundaries. They
have participated in exercises
with foreign navies, including
the UNITAS exercises held each
year along the Chilean coast.The Persuader carried out its first
large-scale search mission during
the hunt for FACh C212 serial
433, which crashed in the Juan
Fernandez Archipelago in September
2011, conducting surveillance of
the waters near the islands.
The three P-295s
replaced two P-111s that
subsequently transferred to
sister squadron VC-1.General-purpose
transport
When it was established, the
Escuadrón de Propósitos Generales
VC-1 (General-Purpose Squadron)
used the C212-200 for cargo
transport. The Spanish aircraft
proved very useful for transporting
equipment and troops around
the country, but when FACh 433
crashed in late 2011, with the
loss of 21 lives, the navy and
army ceased operations with
the type the following year.
VC-1 also received ten Cessna
O-2A Skymaster observation
aircraft in 1997. The ageing
fleet of three remaining O-2As
was gradually replaced by the
Vulcanair P68 Observer 2 in- The three remaining O-2As
were offered to the Uruguayan
Navy without cost in February
last year and were accepted in
June, subject to US approval.
A pair of 1983-built AS332Ls was acquired from UK civilian operator CHC
Helicopters in 2012. After undergoing military modifi cations in Norway, they
were formally accepted into service in May of that year as HH-32s.The O-2A fl eet – which included
some veterans of US operations
in Southeast Asia – has now been
retired. Three survivors were offered
to the Uruguayan Navy in February
last year and accepted, subject to US
approval, last June.http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #361 APRIL 2018 // 65
Airforces
Intelligence‘In association with ....’