The jet-powered airlifter being mulled by Embraer could well find a sizeable market thanks to its speed and payload combination. (Embraer photo)
Embraer Has Military Transport Aircraft Under Study
(Source: Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.; issued April 19, 2007)
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil --- Embraer confirmed, at a press conference held today, during the Latin America Aero & Defense (LAAD) conference, in Rio de Janeiro, that it has been studying the possible development of a military transport aircraft.
If it is actually launched, the EMBRAER C-390, as it is called, will be the heaviest airplane ever produced by the Company and will be able to transport up to 19 tons (41,888 pounds) of cargo. The new project will incorporate a number of technological solutions developed for the successful EMBRAER 190 commercial jet.
As a medium-sized military transport jet, the EMBRAER C-390 will have an ample cabin, equipped with a rear ramp for transporting a wide range of types of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles, and will have the most modern loading and unloading systems.
The new jet may be refueled in flight, as well as be used to refuel other aircraft, in flight and on the ground. The cargo cabin will allow configurations for transporting the wounded or sick, on Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. The technical advances of the EMBRAER C-390 include fly- by-wire, which lowers the work load of pilots, with the resulting increased safety, and operating on short and unpaved runways, without the need of ground support.
"Our analyses indicate that there is a potential market for this type of aircraft worldwide, especially to replace older models that will reach the end of their useful life over the coming decade," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Embraer's Executive Vice-President, Defense and Government Market. "We are now expanding the studies and looking for the best use of the technological solutions employed in the EMBRAER 170/190 family. They will be carefully adapted to the specific needs of the military operators. This is a good example of spin-off and how Embraer's long-term vision is focused on customer satisfaction."
Aguiar added, "Based on Embraer's broad experience in leading successful programs, we have discussed with other specialized mainline companies jointly sharing the development, which should follow international best practices for defense programs."
In good time, Embraer will release more information regarding this study, in order to keep the public informed on Company decisions.
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