Embraer completed the first flight of the KC-390 tanker-transport from its Gavião Peixoto facility in Brazil on Feb. 3, marking the start of an intensive two-year flight-test and certification program which will incorporate Cobham’s wing air refuelling pods, refuelling probes, auxiliary tanks, audio systems and nose radomes.
Embraer completed the first flight of the KC-390
tanker-transport from its Gavião Peixoto facility in Brazil on 3
February 2015, marking the start of an intensive two-year
flight-test and certification program which will incorporate
Cobham's wing air refuelling pods, refuelling probes, auxiliary
tanks, audio systems and nose radomes.
KC-390 First Flight
Test pilots Mozart Louzada and Marcos Salgado de Oliveira Lima
and flight test engineers Raphael Lima and Roberto Becker flew the
aircraft for 1 hour and 25 minutes, conducting an evaluation of
flying qualities and performance.
"This first flight is a fundamental step toward accomplishing the
task with which we were entrusted. The KC-390 is the result of a
close cooperation with the Brazilian Air Force and international
partners, representing what is most likely the greatest
technological challenge that the Company has ever encountered in
its history. We are profoundly moved for having achieved this key
milestone", said Frederico Fleury Curado, President and CEO of
Embraer.
"The program continues to move forward as planned and the KC-390
has drawn interest from several countries around the world", said
Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense &
Security. "We are proud to once again keep our commitments in the
development of this aircraft, which will set a new standard in the
category of tactical military transport."
"The KC-390 will be the backbone of transport aviation for the
Brazilian Air Force. From the Amazon to Antarctica, the fleet of 28
aircraft will play a key role in the diversity of projects of the
Brazilian State, from scientific research to the maintenance of
sovereignty", said Aeronautics Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier
General Nivaldo Luiz Rossato.
On its maiden flight, the KC-390 crew performed maneuvers to
evaluate its flight characteristics and conducted a variety of
systems tests, having benefited from an advanced campaign of
simulations and extensive ground tests. "The KC-390 behaved in a
docile and predictable manner," said Captain Louzada. "The advanced
fly-by-wire flight control system and the latest-generation
avionics make flying easy and render a smooth and precise
flight."
About the KC-390
The KC-390 is a joint project of the Brazilian Air Force and
Embraer to develop and produce a tactical military transport and
air-to-air refueling plane that represents a significant advance in
terms of technology and innovation for the Brazilian aeronautics
industry. This is an aircraft designed to set new standards in its
class, at a lower operational cost and with flexibility to perform
a wide range of missions: transport and airdropping of cargo and
troops, aerial refueling, search and rescue, and forest fire
response, among others.
On May 20, 2014, Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force signed the
serial production contract for the delivery of 28 KC-390 aircraft
and initial logistic support. Besides the order from the Brazilian
Air Force, there are current purchase intentions from other
countries, for a total of 32 additional aircraft.