Embraer delivers first KC-390 to the FAB

[Zarvan]

The Brazilian Air Force has 28 KC-390s under contract, with two test assets to join for a final fleet of 30 aircraft. Source: IHS Markit/Patrick Allen

Embraer has delivered the first KC-390 transport aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira: FAB), with an acceptance ceremony at the type's future operating base on 4 September.

Handover of the aircraft at Anápolis Air Base in the state of Goiás paves the way for the commencement of entry into service (EIS) with the FAB's 1st Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) and comes about 21 months after the service declared the aircraft to have the initial capabilities that it required (the Brazilian definition of initial operating capability [IOC]).

With a contract for 28 aircraft for Brazil being placed in 2014, the two flight test platforms are to be refurbished ahead of delivery to the FAB for a final fleet of 30. Deliveries are due to conclude in 2026.

The KC-390 has a hold volume of 170 m 3 (including the ramp) and a maximum payload of 23 tonnes (or a concentrated maximum payload of 26 tonnes over the centre of gravity). It has a rough-field capability, giving it the ability to land on California Bearing Ratio (CBR) 4-rated (soft field) surfaces. Company-released performance specifications give the aircraft a maximum cruise speed of 470 kt (870 km/h); a maximum altitude of 36,000 ft; and a range (with 23 tonnes of payload) of 1,380 n miles (2,556 km), or a ferry flight with internal fuel tanks of 4,640 n miles. The range can be extended by in-flight refuelling.

Typical mission configurations given by the FAB show that the KC-390 is able to carry seven standard 463L pallets (2.74×2.23 m), six 463L pallets plus 36 troops or 30 paratroopers, 80 troops or 66 paratroops, three high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)-sized vehicles, one Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, or one LAV-25 combat vehicle.

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