Agreement Works to Enhance Aircraft for Patrol and Surveillance Missions

Embraer signed a deal with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on December 3 to perform research intended to expand the C-390 Millennium’s capabilities.

These studies hope to evolve the aircraft for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, focusing deeply on Maritime Patrol.

"The studies to adapt the C-390 Millennium aircraft to ISR missions have evolved in a structured way, analyzing the aircraft's capability to evolve in order to meet the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force, especially in relation to Maritime Patrol," stated Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.

The Embraer C-390 was first introduced and took flight in 2015. It is a medium-weight transport jet designed to replace the Lockheed Martin C-130 and KC-130 military aircraft. The jet can accommodate up to 26 tons of payload, reach a top speed of 470 knots, and fly for 1,080 nm at max capacity. It is powered by two International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-E5 engines producing nearly 31,330 lbs of thrust each.

The FAB has been one of the C-390’s biggest supporters from the get-go, reaching over 10,000 flight hours in its last four years of service. It currently operates a fleet of 6 Millenniums accomplishing an 80% availability rate and a 99% mission fulfillment rate.

Outside of the FAB, the aircraft has already become a common step forward in transport fleet modernization. It has been purchased by the Air Forces of Hungary, Austria, South Korea, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Sweden, accumulating over 15,000 total flight hours.

"We are honored to move forward with the FAB on studies to expand the operational capabilities of the C-390 Millennium," expressed Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "It reinforces our commitment to always offer our customers an aircraft capable of carrying out their most challenging missions with unparalleled efficiency. This is another important step in the long-term relationship built with the FAB."

FMI: www.embraer.com