The Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil-MB) has awarded the U.S. Based company Marsh Aviation to upgrade four C-1A Trader transport aircraft to the Turbo Trader standard. The integration of a complete navigation suite, engines, communications systems and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) are included in the modernization project.

The contract firmed in late October for an undisclosed amount comprise as well as two year integrated logistic support, training services, ground support equipment, special tools e technical manuals. The company will be also responsible to deliver an offsets package.

In 2010, Brazil brought eight former U.S. Navy C1-A aircraft stocked at the AMARG (Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group) of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, under a U$ 234.806 million foreign military sale (FMS) contract firmed with the US Government.

The aircraft to be upgraded to the Carrier-on-Board Delivery/Air-to-Air Refueling (COD/AAR) configuration will allow them to refuel AF-1/1A Skyhawk light combat aircraft operated onboard the A-12 “São Paulo” aircraft carrier and to transport personnel and materiel. Two of the four remaining aircraft will be used as spare parts sources.

The fleet is to be operated by the 1º Esquadrão de Aeronaves de Transporte e Vigilância Marítima (VCE-1) transport and maritime surveillance squadron.