Helicopter Operations in Portugal

Although Portugal has a small continental area, two important factors contributed for the need to use helicopters: The first has to do with the expansion undertake by Portugal in the 14th -15th century. The second has to do with the climate. Because of this expansion Portugal became responsible for new areas, both land and maritime, for which there was recent need, even mandatory use of the helicopter, both in wartime and peacetime operations. The second has to do the hot and dry Mediterranean climate that originates very strong summer fires seasons. The first major use of helicopters was performed by the Portuguese Air Force, during the colonial war. Fighting guerrilla type warfare the helicopter was a fundamental asset. After the war and during peace time the helicopter was been used in maritime and land search and rescue operations, by both the Air Force and other government agencies. Fire-fighting operations are also extremely important and these involve not only the government agencies, but also civilian companies that supplement the some of the fire-fighting helicopter fleet. Portugal therefore has been using Helicopters for the past 50 years in a variety of roles creating a strong link to its use.