French aircraft developer Hynaero and Portugal-based aviation company Helibravo Aviação have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the Fregate-F100 amphibious firefighting aircraft. Helibravo will contribute operational experience and market knowledge in Portugal and across the Iberian Peninsula as the partners pursue the aircraft’s development and commercialisation. The Fregate-F100 is designed to carry up to 10 tonnes of water and cruise at 250 knots.
The partnership targets a European market facing ageing fleets of amphibious water bombers. Helibravo’s regional expertise is expected to support Hynaero’s understanding of operational requirements and potential customer needs, although the agreement does not include a firm order or purchase commitment.
Hynaero is developing the aircraft in France. The programme remains in development, with no schedule disclosed for certification, first flight, production or deliveries. The memorandum’s financial terms, duration and other conditions have not been provided.
Hynaero projects that the wider Fregate-F100 programme could create more than 2,500 jobs in final assembly and the supplier industry. The aircraft is intended to provide a modern successor to older firefighting-aircraft fleets, but the partners have not identified customers or confirmed production financing.