Brazilian Air Force And Saab Partner On Flight Test Campaign

Embraer and Saab, along with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), successfully completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refueling of the Gripen E fighter jet by the KC-390 Millennium multi-role aircraft.

The test flights were conducted at the Embraer facilities in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, where the Gripen Flight Test Centre is located. It was coordinated by the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) from the FAB, and involved engineers and test pilots from Saab, Embraer, and the FAB.

A range of flight configurations, speeds, and altitudes were evaluated to confirm precision during in-flight refueling. The latest fly-by-wire systems of both aircraft contributed to the success of the operation as the KC-390 provided a favorable wake and the Gripen demonstrated responsiveness in flight.

Walter Pinto Júnior, Chief Operations Officer of Embraer Defense & Security said, “This important milestone confirms the KC-390 unmatched qualities as a tanker and further strengthens our partnership with Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Additionally, the unique multi-mission capability offered by the KC-390, which allows the airplane to be converted into a tanker in a matter of hours, offers unbeatable flexibility to Air Forces worldwide.”

Mikael Olsson, Head of Flight Testing at Saab said, “This achievement reflects the high level of integration between the teams involved. The verification of in-flight refuelling is a very significant technical milestone for our business, as it demonstrates that Gripen E has reached a new level of operational reach. The success of this campaign further reinforces the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden and Brazil’s role within the global Gripen programme ecosystem."

Colonel Aviator George Luiz Guedes de Oliveira concluded by saying, “The verification of in-flight refuelling between the KC-390 and F-39 Gripen represents the success of a cooperation that goes beyond borders. It is the result of a joint effort combining Swedish technology, Brazilian engineering and the operational excellence of the Brazilian Air Force.”

FMI:  www.embraer.com/