[Sponsor Content] Embraer - KC-390

A true force multiplier The new generation medium airlift KC-390, by Embraer, combines a highly flexible platform with the lowest life cycle cost in the market

The KC-390 stands out in the medium-airlift category long dominated by turboprop aircraft. It combines the speed and range advantages of a twin-engine IAE V2500 turbofan to quietly cruise at speeds equivalent to modern jet airliners with the ability to perform multiple missions from cargo and troop transport, airdrop, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, search and rescue and forest fire fighting.

Designed to set new standards in its category while presenting the lowest life-cycle cost of the market, the KC-390 can transport payloads up to 26 metric tons and is able to operate from unpaved runways. Full digital avionics and an advanced cargo handling system offer greater multi-mission flexibility and allow the crew to fully concentrate their attention in the execution of the missions, increasing the performance and productivity. The first serial production KC-390 (aircraft 003) was completed in the first half of 2018 and is currently undergoing certification trials and the following aircraft serial numbers are in production. Basic certification (green aircraft) from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is expected for the second half of 2018.

The KC-390 aircraft has achieved the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) that ensures the necessary conditions have been met for the aircraft to start operations, in accordance with the scope agreed upon with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Last year, Embraer and the FAB

successfully completed the first Aerial Refueling Tests (dry contact,without fuel transfer) between the multi-mission aircraft KC-390 and F-5M fighters at the Santa Cruz Air Force Base, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This important milestone of the in-flight refueling campaign is a result of the outstanding aerodynamic and flight controls characteristics of the aircraft that enable coupling between the two aircraft to be performed accurately and safely.

Embraer has already performed the aerial refueling drogues extension and stability tests, for high and low speed conditions, initial cargo airdrop and paratroops certification tests in a joint effort with the Brazilian Air Force and the Brazilian Army, using lateral doors and cargo ramp.

The program has covered the full flight envelope of the aircraft reaching cruise speed of Mach .80 and operational ceiling of 36,000 feet.

Other milestones achieved also include certification tests of its systems, performance and flying qualities, fly-by-wire in final mode, sidesticks linked and active, as well as certification flights with Brazilian military airworthiness authority.

Equipped with a rear ramp and an advanced cargo handling system, the KC-390 can carry and combine different types of cargo; as pallets, helicopters, armored vehicles, stretchers for medical evacuation and troops. Reliability, maintainability and availability were also major design requirements for the KC-390. Unprecedented reliability levels for the segment, associated to a maintainability focused design and comprehensive support and material services, result in very high fleet availability and low life cycle costs.

Besides of the benefits from a modern fly-by-wire control the aircraft is equipped with other last generation systems with integrated technology that reduces the crew workload and increase its comfort and safety, as an advanced self-defense system for operation in hostile environments.

Furthermore, the KC-390 can also be refueled in flight and receive optional internal auxiliary fuel tanks providing additional capacity for aerial refueling and greater range and endurance for longer missions.