August 31, 2010: Brazil has purchased eight American C-1A COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) aircraft. Brazil will use the C-1As for delivering vital cargoes to their aircraft carrier, and also for inflight refueling. The U.S. Navy retired the last C-1As in 1988, storing them in the "bone yard" (a desert where many American warplanes are stored when retired, just in case they are needed later.) The U.S. will refurbish the C-1As, equipping them with new, more powerful, engines. Brazilian firms will provide and install additional equipment.

The 13 ton C-1 entered service in the 1950s, and they were used for COD, anti-submarine and electronic warfare duties. Ten are still operated by civilian organizations that maintain vintage warplanes. The C-1 can carry nine passengers or 1.5 tons of cargo. Two of those going to Brazil will be equipped for inflight refueling (of the A-4 jet bombers used on the Brazilian carrier.)

The Brazilian Navy's carrier, the "Sao Paolo" was obtained nine years ago when Brazil bought the 32,000 ton French aircraft carrier Foch (which was still in service) for $12 million, updated it and renamed it. The "Sao Paolo" entered service in 2000, and the Brazilians retired the " Minas Gerais", a World War II era (British) Colossus Class carrier a year later (after 40 years of service). The Brazilians have a long tradition of carrier operations, and have long been the only South American nation to operate a carrier. The Sao Paolo has a crew of 1,900 and was designed to carry 35 warplanes (smaller, older models like the A-4) and four helicopters. This load can vary depending on aircraft type.