HISTORIA – ENAER

HISTORY

The maintenance needs of the first military air operations in Chile led to the creation of the Maestranza Central de Aviación in the 1920s, which continued until 1984, when the National Aeronautical Company of Chile, ENAER, was founded.

1984 - 1985

In 1984, Law No. 18,297 was passed, founding the National Aeronautical Company of Chile, ENAER, initially dedicated to the field of aeronautical maintenance and later joining the business segment of aircraft and aerostructure manufacturing, with the construction of the T-35 PILLAN basic military training aircraft, designed in conjunction with the Department of Advanced and Experimental Engineering of Piper Aircraft and manufactured by ENAER for the Chilean Air Force.

Later, the manufacture of the T-35 PILLAN for the Spanish Air Force began, a contract that opened the doors to ENAER for the co-production with the company CASA-España (currently part of the AIRBUS Group), of the C-101 tactical training and attack aircraft (called A-36 by the FACH). Originally equipped with simple avionics, ENAER developed a modernization of its avionics that integrated a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) navigation and attack system, incorporated a HUD (Head Up Display) and updated the technology of several of its other systems. Additionally, the modification was complemented with the authorization to carry air-to-air missiles.

A-36 TOQUI Production Line

1986 - 1989

At the beginning of 1986, ENAER signed a contract with the Chilean Air Force to make structural and equipment changes to its fleet of Mirage M-50 aircraft, requirements that were expanded at the end of that decade, to increase its tactical capabilities and extend its useful life. The modification was named Pantera. MIrage M-50 PANTERA

MIrage M-50 PANTERA

In 1987, ENAER completed the manufacture of 41 T-35 PILLAN aircraft for the Spanish Air Force, and began, in turn, the manufacture of the T-35 for the National Air Service of Panama, of which a total of 10 were delivered in 1988. The following year, the last PILLAN aircraft was delivered, corresponding to the first contract with the Chilean Air Force.

T-35 PILLAN

In 1989, ENAER designed and manufactured a light, two-seater, single-engine, low-wing aircraft with a tricycle-type fixed landing gear, which was named Ñamcú.

After a demonstration phase by ENAER at various international aircraft fairs, the EUROENAER subsidiary was established to market the aircraft under the name Eaglet in the Netherlands.

1990 - 2000

With the idea of diversifying its business in the area of aeronautical electronics, in 1991, the ENAER subsidiary company called Desarrollo de Tecnologías y Sistemas Limitada - “DTS” was created, with a 49.99% stake in the capital, in partnership with ELTA Systems Limited, whose current stake is 50.01%.

On April 9, 1992, a contract was signed for the manufacture of 12 T-35 PILLÁN aircraft for the Paraguayan Air Force, which remain in service in that country.

T-35 PILLAN of the Paraguayan Air Force

In 1993, ENAER achieved ISO-9002 certification, which was necessary to qualify as a supplier to world-class aeronautical companies, and in September of that year the contract was signed for the manufacture of the vertical, horizontal and elevator stabilizers for the ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 aircraft, for the Brazilian company EMBRAER. This successful project led to the production of 1,300 units sold and in operation in the most important regional airlines around the world.

EMBRAER ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 with tailplanes manufactured by ENAER

In the early 90s, within the framework of the Tiffany Project, ENAER participated as a subcontractor for IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.) for the modification of the FACH fleet of F-5 aircraft to TIGRE III, to increase their tactical capabilities and extend their useful life. Furthermore, considering the need to have the capacity to refuel in flight for this material and the Mirage Pantera aircraft, ENAER participated in the modification of a Boeing 707 aircraft to a tanker called AGUILA. Both the F-5 TIGRE III fleet and the 707 AGUILA are still in active service.

707 AGUILA refueling F-5 TIGRE and Mirage M-50 aircraft

In turn, actions were carried out with the Salvadoran Air Force, which were carried out in 1997 with the sale of 5 T-35 aircraft PILLAN. In the mid-1990s, within the framework of contracts with the FACH, ENAER developed the capacity to carry out maintenance programs for Boeing 707s for the Chilean Air Force and for Boeing 737s for Lan Chile, Aerolíneas Argentinas and other airlines, and in March 1998, the contract was signed for the manufacture of the T-35 PILLÁN for the Guatemalan Air Force.

T-35 PILLAN for the Guatemalan Air Force.

At the end of the millennium, the sale of T-35 PILLÁN aircraft to the Dominican Republic Air Force was completed, it acquired ISO 9001/2000 and AS-9100/2001 certifications and was designated Custodian of National Pressure Magnitude Standards. Another important milestone in the field of aerostructure manufacturing began with the production of the lower central fairing for the Falcon 900 and Falcon 2000 aircraft of Dassault Aviation.

Dassault FALCON 2000 with Lower Karman manufactured at ENAER

2000 - 2010

In June 2001, the contract was signed for the manufacture of structural components for the CASA CN-235 and C-295 tactical transport aircraft, currently from the company Airbus Defence & Space, which remained in production until 2013.

CASA C-295 PERSUADER of the Chilean Navy

In January 2002, the contract was signed for the manufacture of 04 T-35 PILLÁN aircraft for the Ecuadorian Navy. In turn, as a result of the quality of its products and compliance with its commitments, ENAER was recognized by EMBRAER as its best supplier during the years 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2003, the Company obtained EASA certification, confirming its compliance with the high standards required by the European industry for the manufacture of aircraft and aeronautical parts. Likewise, Lockheed Martin awarded ENAER certification as a Service Center for HÉRCULES C-130 aircraft.

HÉRCULES C-130 of the Chilean Air Force under maintenance

In March 2004, the contract was signed for the production of the nose assembly for Eclipse 500 aircraft, manufactured by Eclipse Aerospace. In July of the same year, ENAER acquired three state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC machining centers, unique in the country. That year, the sale of two Pillán aircraft to the Salvadoran Air Force was also completed, which were added to the fleet already operating in that country and maintenance services for C-130 aircraft of the Uruguayan Air Force began. Another recognition received by ENAER was the award from ASEXMA, as the “Best Public Exporting Company” in 2006.

In April 2007, the maintenance contract for C-130 aircraft was signed with Bangladesh, and in that same year, the contract for the maintenance of C-130 aircraft was signed with Colombia. In 2008, the subprime crisis hit ENAER hard, whose sales decreased significantly the following year, in the aerostructures segment. That year, ENAER began the project to implement the Oracle ERP system “E-business Suite”, which is currently operational in the modules acquired by the Company. Also on that date, the activities to develop the capabilities to provide services at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport began, with the equipment of a hangar with capacity for the maintenance of Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft. In the same year, a contract was signed with the Chilean Air Force for the execution of the Pacer Amstel Life Extension Program for F-16 MLU aircraft, which was successfully completed at the end of 2016.

Trabajo de modernización PACER AMSTEL en aviones F-16

In 2010, a contract was signed with the Argentine Air Force to provide major maintenance services (PDM) for an L100-30 aircraft, a civil version of the C-130 aircraft. A contract was also signed with the FACH for the maintenance of the fleet of F-16 aircraft at the Cerro Moreno Base in Antofagasta.

Maintenance work on F-16 aircraft in Antofagasta

2011 - 2016

In 2011, a contract was signed with the Canadian company CMC Electronics Inc. for the modernization of two FACH C-130 HERCULES, integrating a digital avionics system (“glass cockpit”). Also that year, ENAER signed a new contract with the Chilean Air Force for the manufacture of 6 PILLÁN aircraft. At the end of 2013, the contracts with EMBRAER and EADS-CASA (current Airbus Defence & Space) were closed, and the business model of services with the Chilean Air Force was changed, through a Framework Contract for Depot Maintenance. In 2014, a contract was signed for the development and implementation of a prototype T-35 PILLÁN aircraft for the Chilean Air Force, consisting of a modernization of the cabin and navigation and communications systems. That year, the provision of Check A maintenance services for LATAM AIRLINES A-320 family aircraft began, with the aim of expanding the company's requirements to Check C level maintenance, with greater added value and complexity, which will allow for the continuity of maintenance operations carried out in the Company's hangar at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.

Airbus A-320 maintenance at AMB

In 2015, ENAER delivered a T-35 Pillán aircraft to the Chilean Air Force, which was fitted with a modification to its avionics systems. This modification includes state-of-the-art Glass Cockpit-type digital equipment and instruments. Its purpose is to update the technology associated with the man-machine interface of this training aircraft, in order to guarantee greater reliability and accuracy in the information provided to flight instructors and student pilots. The modification was accepted by FACH and assigned the tail number 150 to this prototype. In 2015, the work on the Contract with the Uruguayan Air Force for the Isochronal Inspection of the C-130 aircraft with registration number FAU 592 was completed. Also in 2015, the 1,400-hour inspection of the T-35 PILLÁN AN 212 aircraft of the Ecuadorian Navy was completed and the same work began on the AN 214 aircraft. During 2015, a contract was signed with the company MEREX to change the wing skin of F-5 aircraft of the Chilean Air Force, activities that continued to be developed during 2016 and 2017 that have allowed adding a new capacity to the military aeronautical maintenance segment and that allow the use of the manufacturing facilities for parts and pieces, thus justifying the strategic nature of these facilities.

F-5 TIGRE wing skin replacement work

On July 19, 2016, a framework contract was signed between ENAER and the Chilean Army to provide aeronautical logistics services and for the maintenance of the C-212 and CN-235 transport aircraft operated by the Chilean Army Aviation Brigade (BAVE), to increase the availability of aircraft in flight, positively impacting the increase in flight operations of that institution. Another important milestone is the signing of a framework agreement between ENAER and AIRBUS D&S, which aims to develop ENAER's maintenance capabilities for C-212 transport aircraft, and in the future, for CN-235 and C-295 aircraft, in order to be certified as an official service center for this type of aircraft currently in operation in the National Defense institutions, and in turn offer these capabilities for other aircraft that are in operation in the Latin American region. During the course of 2016, the agreement with the Chilean Army was extended to other aircraft with which the Chilean Army Aviation Brigade operates, including MD-530 helicopters and the improvement of the logistics chain for maintenance.

Cessna C-208 GRAND CARAVAN in maintenance for the Chilean Army.

2017 - 2019

In 2017, ENAER continued to provide logistical support to the Chilean Army Aviation Brigade, for the maintenance of the aircraft operating in that Brigade. The purpose of these contracts is to increase the availability and reliability of maintenance. This objective was fully met and had a positive impact on the increase in aircraft availability, a situation that to date has become evident with the recovery and return to service of three Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft, a CASA CN-235 and a CASA C-212, as well as MD-530 helicopters and the improvement of the logistics chain for maintenance.
In other aspects, the company is working together with FACH on several projects to increase the Company's capabilities, to provide support for its flight equipment, including anticorrosive treatment and special paint for F-16, for which ENAER trained and already has personnel qualified by Lockheed Martin to apply the special painting process.
Another important milestone was the presentation to the Directorate of Civil Aeronautics of Chile (DGAC) of the documentation and requirements necessary to obtain the certification for Check A maintenance of aircraft of the Airbus A 320 family. The application with the corresponding documentation was approved by the DGAC, which issued the corresponding certificate of qualification in mid-2019, and it is expected to begin offering these services during the second half of 2020, depending on the evolution of commercial aviation activity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A high added value project was the materialization of the upgrade of the engine test bench, raising the technological level of this facility by improving the facilities and software, which will allow, in addition to the current testing capacity of T 56 engines of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, T 53 of the UH 1H helicopter, among others, to add the performance tests of PT6T-3B engines, of the Bell 412 Helicopter and PT6 A of different series.

ENAER Engine Test Bench Control Room

During 2018, the implementation of the Human Resources Management Module of the Oracle Business Suite ERP began and its productive exploitation began on January 1, 2020. The amount of the scheduled investment was USD 350,000.
In October 2018, the Ecuadorian Navy's T-35 PILLAN AN-211 and AN-213 aircraft were delivered at ENAER's facilities, subject to an extensive maintenance and recovery program. One of these aircraft, the AN-213, had been out of flight for three years and required significant work to recover it and put it back into flight. It is worth noting that the delivery of these aircraft is a very important milestone for the Ecuadorian Navy, as it allowed this Institution to have two other operational aircraft for the training of its pilots. The return to the Ecuadorian Navy's facilities located in Manta, Ecuador, was carried out by Ecuadorian pilot officers from the El Bosque airfield where the ENAER facilities are located.
Also in October 2018, ENAER delivered the first of three auxiliary fuel tanks for Twin Otter DHC-6 material, which allows these aircraft to increase their flight autonomy by almost 3 hours, with the aim of fulfilling the important role in the installation of the Joint Scientific Polar Station “Glaciar Unión”, inaugurated in January 2014, in the depths of Antarctica.

Auxiliary fuel tank for Twin Otter DHC-6 manufactured at ENAER for the FACH Antarctic mission

On April 3, 2019, the first part manufactured at ENAER for C-130 Hercules aircraft was delivered, approved by Lockheed Martin through the “Hologram Products Program”. On May 15, 2019, ENAER delivered to FACH the main and nose landing gear assemblies for the Boeing 707 – Cóndor aircraft, having applied a complete overhaul, work carried out for the first time at ENAER.
On June 7, 2019, ENAER completed the modernization project of the Chilean Army C-212, returning the aircraft in direct flight to the BAVE facilities in Rancagua, without any inconvenience.

CASA C-212 of the Chilean Army, modernized by ENAER

After obtaining the authorization from the DGAC for the maintenance up to Check A of the A320 family and considering the composition of the fleets of the passenger transport companies that are within the target market, the procedures to obtain the authorization from the ANAC, the aeronautical authority of the Argentine Republic, began at the end of 2019. On July 12, 2019, a Memorandum of understanding was signed with CIAC of Colombia during the Colombian F-Air Fair, with the purpose of increasing business opportunities in that country, with the joint participation of ENAER with the aforementioned company.

On September 27, 2019, ENAER obtained from the U.S. civil aeronautical authority, Federal Aviation Administration – FAA, the certification as a “Repair Station” N° 4DEY599D, for work up to propeller overhaul for three models of Hartzell propellers (HCBTN-3B, 3D and 3DY), as well as the authorization for non-destructive inspections in the techniques of penetrant liquids, magnetic particles and eddy currents.
In October 2019, ENAER attended the Technical Coordination Group (TCG) World Wide Review, of Hercules C-130 aircraft, in its capacity as a Lockheed Martin Authorized Service Center. On this occasion, it participated for the first time with a stand and presentation, promoting ENAER's name globally as CMA for the C-130. Lockheed Martin Authorized Service Center for C-130.

Lockheed Martin Authorized Service Center for C-130

During 2019, the engine component repair program for the F-16 A/B MLU aircraft was started. During 2019, the Operational Safety Department was created, with the mission of administering and managing all aspects of operational safety (SMS). In particular, the aforementioned Department is responsible for obtaining accreditation from the DGAC for the four phases of the ENAER Operational Safety System. This Department managed to accredit the first two phases of the System, with phases 3 and 4 pending for 2020. Likewise, it managed to create software for the administration of SMS reports for ENAER personnel. Finally, it developed a strategy to ensure that SMS policies and objectives are disseminated at the Company level.

2020

In 2020, during the health emergency, ENAER continued with its essential activities supporting national aeronautics. The Operational Safety Department managed the accreditation of phase 3 of ENAER's Operational Safety System before the DGAC, with phase 4 pending for the first half of 2021, and on May 13, 2020, ENAER obtained certification from ANAC as an aeronautical repair shop for A320 family aircraft.

On October 13, 2020, the maintenance services program for CIRRUS SR - 22T aircraft of the FACH begins, followed on December 1, 2020, the date on which the PILLAN II program begins with the signing of the contract for the Basic Investment Study - EBI between the Chilean Air Force and ENAER, and on December 31, 2020, with the start of the painting services program for G-IV aircraft with the signing of the contract, also between the Chilean Air Force and ENAER.

During 2020, the purchase of the new FROUDE Dynamometer model F359-GT for the engine test bench was completed, which will be implemented during 2021. This new dynamometer will allow to continue with the testing of turbo shaft engines, such as the T53-L-13B, of the UH 1H Helicopter and the PT6T-3B/D engines of the BELL 412. Additionally, it will allow the implementation of the capacity to carry out the Performance Test on the Test Bench, of the RR M250- C20 series engines.

Work on the PT6T-3B/D engine of the BELL 412

Another of the important milestones in 2020 corresponds to the NEYÜN project, for the design, manufacture and validation of mechanical ventilators and Split equipment, developed and manufactured by DTS, a subsidiary of ENAER, with the collaboration of FAMAE and ENAER.

This project, under the auspices of the initiative "A Breath for Chile", also considered the recovery of mechanical ventilators from the public hospital network, to contribute to increasing the availability of these equipment during the health crisis caused by COVID-19. The new and recovered equipment were delivered to the MINSAL, to be distributed through the National Health Network.

NEYUN mechanical ventilation equipment

2021

At the beginning of the year, a team of professionals was formed to develop the EBI project, Basic Investment and Engineering Study for the PILLAN II Project, which aims to provide the Chilean Air Force Aviation School with a new integrated training system. In parallel with the EBI Project, ENAER developed during 2021 the EVAS program or the Aircraft Life Extension in Service (EVAS) project for aircraft in the PILLAN fleet, which have reached their useful life of 7,000 flight hours. The objective of this work is to maintain the availability of the Aviation School's T-35 PILLAN fleet, extending the useful life of a small number of aircraft for a limited period of time, while the new aircraft are produced, which is part of a replacement plan for the aircraft that are currently in service.

Aircraft Service Life Extension (EVAS) project for aircraft in the PILLAN fleet

Also in the Training Aircraft Division (DAI), the maintenance support process for the SR-22T Cirrus flight material of the Aviation School began. Likewise, technical advice was provided to the Antofagasta and Iquique units that also operate the same material. The Commercial Management, among its various activities, at the beginning of 2021, managed the framework collaboration agreement between ENAER and the Ministry of National Defense and Prochile, which will allow the Strategic Defense Companies to link up with the Prochile global network to promote the export of non-military defense products.

On the other hand, throughout 2021, the Human Resources Management successfully led the COVID protocols in the production system, achieving recognition from the Mutual de Seguridad.

Regarding the activities of the Operations Management, in May 2021, the new FACH C-130 acquired from the North American Air Force (USAF) was received at ENAER to undergo PDM inspection. The work is being carried out according to a detailed inspection program and the aircraft is scheduled to return to service in mid-2022. During 2021, the exterior painting of two Gulfstream IV aircraft, Nos. 913 and 914, recently incorporated into service by the Chilean Air Force, was carried out. This work was carried out in accordance with a special process, developed based on the requirements of the manufacturer's technical publications and the experience and knowledge of ENAER.

Exterior painting work on Gulfstream IV, No. 913, of the Chilean Air Force.

In June 2021, the F-5 aircraft No. 801 was delivered to service to Aviation Group No. 12 in Punta Arenas after undergoing an extensive maintenance process. In June 2021, the UH-1H helicopter No. H-77 was delivered to FACH also after applying a recovery and modernization process. In the AMB Division (DAMB), painting services for the fleet of F-16 aircraft (Block 15 and Block 50) were continued, in the specialized painting facilities that the FACh has, completing 3 deliveries during the year. Additionally, the first painting service of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter by ENAER for the Chilean Air Force was carried out at AMB facilities and with the F-16 painting equipment. In October 2021, the ENAER F-16 group in Antofagasta, dependent on the AMB Division, completed 10 continuous years of maintenance service for the 5th Air Brigade. This group was able to maintain 2 production lines in parallel, one dedicated to the F-16 Block 15 “Look Phase” work and a second line that carried out additional tasks with specific recovery work on 4 aircraft, requested by the FACH. Between the months of June and July 2021, the Check C Inspection of the Boeing 737-500 presidential aircraft was carried out, which lasted 45 days, significantly reducing the timeframes for these inspections. It should be noted that this type of maintenance was carried out abroad.

Completion of Check C of the Boeing 737-500 presidential plane.

In 2021, FACH handed over this responsibility to ENAER, obtaining a shorter delivery time and reduced costs, compared to similar work previously carried out abroad. In 2021, the A-36 group of Iquique belonging to the AMB Division, carried out 100% of the scheduled maintenance of the A-36 flight material provided by FACH. This group completed during this same year, the phase 50 inspection for Casa 101 (A-36) aircraft. This milestone was only achieved thanks to the professionalism and commitment that each of the members of the A-36 Group has provided and the support of the AMB Aircraft Division, maintenance services provided from 2014 to date.

Completion of phase 50 inspection for Casa 101 (A-36) aircraft.

The Manufacturing Division of the Operations Management, fulfilled the 23rd delivery of instrument panels for Mowag vehicles of the Chilean Army, a contract that is carried out jointly with the company FAMAE (Army Factories and Workshops). The manufacture of machined parts for the Chilean Navy and the manufacture of tools for the recovery of wings of the PILLAN T-35 were also completed, which is the prototype of the Aircraft Service Life Extension (EVAS) program aimed at extending the useful life of a certain number of aircraft, awaiting the delivery of the new PILLAN II training aircraft that ENAER hopes to produce for the Chilean Air Force. The Engine Division of the Operations Management carried out the first two Hot Zone Inspections (HSI) for Super Tucano aircraft engines to which various Service Bulletins were also applied.
During 2021, the Company has managed to satisfy the delivery program of T-56 engines for C-130 aircraft to the FACH, with 9 units returned to service, out of a total of 13 engines contracted. The remaining 4 will be delivered as planned during 2022.

On the other hand, in 2021 the following capabilities were implemented: DGAC authorization was obtained for the T53 engines, which allowed to verify the level of service achieved in engines sent for repair by the FACH and open the market to civil operators. For the first time, engineering was developed, processes were designed and the repair of different components of the TF 33-PW 102 engine of the BOEING KC-135 ATR aircraft was materialized, such as; the ATR (AFTER THRUST REVERSE) and the Case Turbine Exhaust, among others. This allowed the solution in the country of unforeseen events that affected the operation of this type of aircraft. The replacement of the Dynamometer for the Engine Test Bench is in the process of being installed. The overhaul capability was achieved on the Lycoming AEIO-580 engine, the engine of the new FACH acrobatic aircraft, GAMEBIRD. This capability includes the possibility of carrying out performance tests on the Engine Test Bench. Also, in order to ensure the quality of the special processes required for the repair of different engine parts, their certification was achieved. This certification process includes the technical staff, the facilities, products and processes used. Among the processes involved are painting, etching, cadmium plating, alodine, welding and plasma spray. In order to maintain the skills and continue with the training of multi-skilled mechanics, internal courses were held on PT6, J85, T56, T53 and Continental engines (Level I). In addition to recurring courses for the renewal of licenses, advanced metrology and also a course for reporters.

The implementation of the special shift for the operation of the test bench is highlighted, which drastically reduced the maintenance times for engines that were required as a priority at the FACH, such as the T56A-15, T56A-16 and PT6A-27. Regarding the Components Division of the Operations Management, during 2021, 07 propeller blades for the P-3 Orion aircraft of the Chilean Navy were returned to service. During August 2021, 4 propellers from the C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Uruguayan Air Force were received for a maintenance and repair process, which were delivered to the Client in October, as planned. ENAER has developed a broad capacity to repair components of the F-16 aircraft.

F-16 Engine Component Repair.

Regarding the new capabilities implemented during 2021, the following stand out: Repair of F-16 Pressure Air Valves (DUKE and Hamilton Standard). Repair and OH of F-16 main and nose hubs. In the framework of the services provided to the Chilean Army, three contracts are still in force. In addition, variable services not contemplated in the contracts described are provided, allowing to provide complete logistical and maintenance support for the fleets of its institutional aircraft: C-212, CN-235, MD-530 and Cessna. Likewise, ENAER and FAMAE maintain a framework contract to complement their capabilities. In this area, ENAER maintains cable and panel replacement services for MOWAG cars, maintaining a commitment to deliver cable kits for the FAMAE update of 29 cars, with a project to continue production in the future. In the same area of FAMAE/ENAER collaboration, the Systems and Equipment Division has worked on the recovery and treatment of HALON fire extinguisher bottles for Chilean Army vehicles. ENAER is developing a process to obtain authorization from the Ministry of the Environment, to be the only center in Chile certified to treat this type of gas.

2022

On April 6, 2022, during ENAER's exhibition at FIDAE 2022, the official presentation of the Pillan II project was made, with the Executive Director explaining the details of the Project to President Gabriel Boric and authorities present at that time. Likewise, on the same day, April 7, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between ENAER and Lockheed Martin, with the aim of seeking joint commercial objectives for maintenance issues of strategic aircraft of the Chilean Air Force (FACH) and other businesses.

Visit of President Gabriel Boric to the ENAER Stand at FIDAE, together with its Executive Director Mr. Henry Cleveland.

On May 20, 2022, the FACH C-130 aircraft propeller replacement program begins, consisting of modifying these aircraft to receive the new, latest-generation NP 2000 propellers. The work on the first aircraft was carried out by ENAER, with the support of its subsidiary DTS SpA and the US company TYONEK. It should be noted that this work is being carried out for the first time outside the United States, giving ENAER the ability to replace these propellers for C-130 operators around the world.

NP-2000 propellers installation on C-130

On July 27, the first E-3D Sentry early warning aircraft of the Chilean Air Force arrived in Chile. A team of engineers and technicians from ENAER, along with personnel from the FACH and DTS Spa, was trained in England to provide support for this System. Since then, ENAER has provided these services to the Air Force.

E-3D Sentry of the Chilean Air Force in the ENAER hangar in AMB.

On August 17, the National Aeronautics Company of Chile (ENAER) and the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) signed a contract for maintenance, major repair, and modernization services for six T-35 Pillan aircraft from that country. The signing ceremony took place in the city of Luque, Paraguay, with the attendance of the Chilean Ambassador to Paraguay, Guillermo Bittelman Adriasola, and high-ranking FAP authorities, and special guests.
On September 9, at ENAER AMB facilities, the ceremony was held to deliver the first KC-130-R Hercules aircraft to the Chilean Air Force with new NP-2000 propellers. ENAER will continue to make these modifications until the entire Chilean Air Force fleet is complete.

Delivery to the FACH of the first KC-130-R Hercules aircraft with new NP-2000 propellers.

On September 23, the first 4 T-35 PILLAN aircraft subject to the recovery contract signed between FAP and ENAER arrived at ENAER El Bosque from Paraguay, after a land trip crossing the Andes mountain range.

On October 26, 2022, in a ceremony held at the Aeronautical Museum, the Chilean Air Force launched its Pillan II training system project, marking the beginning of the Program at ENAER . The new Pillan II System: The Pillan II Integrated Flight Training System is composed of the aircraft and a series of peripheral subsystems that help the teaching-learning process and the maintenance of the aircraft, through state-of-the-art technological means. The aircraft will be designed in accordance with the requirements established by the FAR Part 23 and EASA CS-23 regulations, corresponding to Normal Category aircraft, and certified for two types of operation: Acrobatic and Non-Acrobatic. The concept is to place the student pilot, who is beginning his process of learning to fly, in an environment that facilitates his progression to more sophisticated aircraft. To achieve this, both the front and rear cockpits will have multifunction digital screens, an environment completely familiar to the new generations, with an air conditioning system for greater comfort for the crews.

Presentation by ENAER Executive Director, Mr. Henry Cleveland.

Both the aerodynamic and structural design and the onboard systems are completely new. In turn, the peripheral subsystems, which include flight simulators, mission planners and post-flight evaluation stations (debriefing), among others, will allow the pilot-student to become familiar with the normal processes in more advanced aircraft and practice their flight lessons on the ground. Mixed reality technology will be used for this, allowing highly effective systems at low cost. In addition, there will be a flight tracking system, which will allow monitoring, from the ground, the position of the aircraft that are carrying out training flights. In addition, the training of crews and technical personnel will be supported using a computer-assisted system or CBT (“Computer Based Training”) and methodologies that will allow the training, capacity building and instruction of operators and maintainers to be carried out, whose operation will be supported by a Learning Management System. The Pillan II Project will include instances of research and technological innovation in areas of priority interest, some of which have already been identified in the Basic Investment and Engineering Study (EBI). Among them: Generative Design and Topological Optimization, Additive Manufacturing, Special Processes of Composite Materials, Predictive Maintenance and Extended Reality. As occurred with the development of the current Pillan, this Project will generate qualified jobs not only in ENAER and its subsidiary DTS SpA, but also in other national companies of the SME category, which will be suppliers of different products and services.