Embraer Defence and Security has achieved a significant milestone in the KC-390 tactical military tanker and transport aircraft program by demonstrating the Cobham aerial refueling systems installed in KC-390’s prototype 001.
Configured as a tanker for the first time, a KC-390 test aircraft fitted with Cobham 912E wing-mounted pods completed a series of successful flight trials in May 2016.
Operating from Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility in Brazil, the flights involved hose stability and trail and rewind tests with both high speed and low speed drogues fitted.
The 912E pod is a customized design solution utilizing the latest technology for the KC-390 to meet the aircraft’s high performance criteria including its ability to satisfy a wide number of receiver aircraft at extended ranges. The Brazilian Air Force is the launch customer for the aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service in 2018.
July 15, 2016
