Besides the newly acquired
P-68s, VC-1 is equipped with
three EMB-111ANs, designated
P-111 in Chilean service. One
of these twin turboprops is used
to transport passengers, while
the other two Bandeirulhas are
tasked with surveillance. In 2013
a Chilean contractor undertook a
modernisation and life-extension
project comprising an avionics
upgrade and installation of forward-
looking infrared (FLIR) equipment
under the nose. The commander of
VC-1, Capitán de Corbeta (Corvette
Captain) Miguel Gallegos, told
AFM that the naval maintenance
centre at Concón is in close
consultation with Embraer over a
wing replacement and structural
upgrade plan that would extend the
aircraft’s life for at least 15 years.Project Piquero
At the end of 2015, after a brief
evaluation, the Armada de Chile
announced the Italian Vulcanair
P68 Observer 2 had won the
Piquero (Pikeman) project. This
aimed to replace the fleet of
O-2As, and the navy ultimately
acquired seven Observer 2s
for US$12.5m. The aircraft’s
integrated systems include weather
radar, ship-identification systemsAbove: A trio of PC-7s carrying twin
7.62mm MAG gun pods under the
wings for weapons training. Ten
Turbo Trainers were delivered new,
beginning in 1980, and an attrition
loss occurred in 1999. Seven remain
in use today. Right: Chile began to
receive the Bell 206AS in 1970. These
were followed by two ex-Chilean
Army Bell 206As in 1979 and four ex-
civil Bell 206Bs in the early 1980s.
The navy is now looking to replace
the survivors. Below: HU-1 operates
just two Bölkow Bo 105CBS (locally
designated as UH-05s) from an
original total of seven. In the summer
months these are deployed in support
of Chile’s Antarctic mission.
66 // APRIL 2018 #361 http://www.airforcesmonthly.com
Chilean Naval Aviation
Force
Report