The Army Light Aviation Unit was the planned aviation unit of the Portuguese Army. Created in 2000 as the Army Light Aviation Group (GALE), it was the Army's unit dedicated to missions of light aviation, being integrated in the Army Forces System, under the operational command of the Ground Forces Operational Command. It was planned to be equipped with light fire support and medium maneuver helicopters. The process of helicopter procurement, however, suffered successive setbacks until being finally canceled in 2012, causing the unit disbandment in 2015.
Old Piper Super-Cub L-21 of the Artillery Observation Light Aviation of the Portuguese Army in the 1950s, now in the Air Museum.
A Portuguese Air Force Alouette III performing a medical evacuation during the war in Portuguese Guinea.
A Swiss EC635, a helicopter initially developed to address the specific requirements of the Portuguese Army, but that ended up not being used by it.
NH90 TTH mock-up with Portugal's flag representing the Portuguese participation in the program.
Eurocopter EC635
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The Eurocopter EC635 is a multi-purpose light helicopter developed by Eurocopter as a military version of the Eurocopter EC135. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 8 people, including the pilot, and a range of military equipment or armaments. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, medical evacuation, cargo transport, reconnaissance and surveillance and armed combat support missions.
The cabin of the Swiss Air Force EC635P2+ VIP transport version seats four passengers.
Mock-up of an armed EC635 at ILA 2012