Page 71 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

ADVERTORIAL
Which do you believe are the strong selling points of the aircraft
JMS: Some of the aircraft’s strengths are its unrivalled mobility and operational flexibility in a single platform. This provides air forces with optimal fleet performance generated by a cost-effective combi- nation of high availability and productivity. The C-390 Millennium flies faster and carries more cargo than other military airlifters of the same size and features a robust design, flexibility, proven state-of- the-art installed technologies and easier maintenance. The aircraft needs fewer on-demand inspections and maintenance actions which reduces overall operating costs, contributing to excellent availability levels and low life-cycle costs.
The built-in, rapidly reconfigurable multi-mission design of the aircraft allows it to efficiently perform a variety of missions such as cargo and troop transport, cargo airdrop, paratrooper operations, air-to-air refuelling (as a receiver and tanker) for both jets and heli- copters, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefight- ing, special force’s missions, and tactical VIP transport missions. The aircraft can carry up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h), and can operate in austere environments, including maximum effort operations to and from unpaved or damaged runways.
Proving its interoperability capabilities, in 2021 one of FAB’s KC-390 aircraft dropped paratroopers in joint flights with U.S. Air Force C-17 and C-130 aircraft during Operation Culminating, in Alexandria, Louisiana, USA. The exercise missions delivered high levels of interoperability with US Forces and other transport aircraft. In addition to the KC-390, nine USAF C-17 and four C-130 aircraft
participated in the exercise. Some 1,600 paratroopers and 22 heavy equipment platforms were successfully delivered to the drop zone
of Joint Readiness Training Centre, a U.S. Army installation that spe- cializes in receiving this type of joint training.
What other projects is Embraer developing for the international military market?
JMS: Looking forward to future projects, we have signed two Mem- orandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The first was established for a study of the potential devel- opment of a short take-off utility transport (STOUT) powered by hybrid-electric propulsion. The second is a cooperation for the study of the necessary capabilities for the conceptual design and develop- ment of advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Em- braer has also signed an agreement with ELTA Systems Ltd (ELTA) to introduce a new Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft using the super-midsize Praetor 600 business jet.
What is Embraer doing to address global concerns around sustainability within the aviation sector?
JMS: Embraer’s goal is to decarbonise our direct and indirect operations focusing on carbon reduction and efficiency. With the introduction into service of our electric and hybrid aircraft, we are committed to achieving carbon neutral operations by 2040. Our priority is to join with strategic partners and invest in R&D for solutions such as electrification and sustainable aviation innovations. Embraer is advancing the following initiatives: First the eVTOL, 100% electric, planned for 2026. In August, Embraer also had the first test flight of the electric demonstrator. Embraer already has executive aircraft using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Florida and is working to expand this solution. Addi- tionally, Embraer is also looking at modern turboprop solutions and hydrogen propulsion.
Sgt Bianca / Força Aérea Brasileira