The initiative is in the pre-investment stage and includes aircraft capable of carrying out rescues on the high seas and in extreme weather
The Commander in Chief of the Chilean Navy, Admiral Juan Andrés De la Maza, indicated that his institution has the Bustard project underway, which contemplates the replacement of Airbus AS365 Dauphin (HH-65) helicopters with a new model of rotary-wing aircraft to guarantee operational efficiency and safety in Naval Aviation missions.
The authority explained in an interview with Infodefensa.com that the Chilean Navy is constantly developing projects for the modernization and replacement of its aircraft to provide Naval Aviation with the necessary means to carry out the tasks that the institution needs to fulfill.
Admiral De la Maza said that the Bustard project seeks to replace the Dauphin, since some of those helicopters date back to the 1980s and the Chilean Navy needs to have modern aircraft capable of carrying out rescues on the high seas and in extreme weather conditions to safeguard human life at sea.
The commander-in-chief of the Chilean Navy pointed out that the Bustard project is led by the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (Directemar) and the Directorate of Programs, Research and Development of the Navy (Diprida), and regarding its state of progress he indicated that it is currently in the pre-investment stage.
For Admiral De la Maza, the initiative not only represents a significant technological advance, but also reflects the State’s continued commitment to safeguarding human life at sea and strengthening National Defense capabilities, allowing for the maintenance of a modern, up-to-date air fleet ready to face present and future challenges in the maritime field.
The Dauphin in the Chilean Navy
The Chilean Navy uses the AS365 Dauphin in its naval areas and aboard ocean patrol vessels in liaison tasks, maritime police and search and rescue (SAR) in the national maritime territory, among other tasks. They are assigned to the HU-1 General Purpose Helicopter Squadron.