Photo - Embraer
The first prototype of the Embraer KC390, the largest aircraft produced in Brazil until then completed its 100th flight hour. According to Embraer, in the first half of this year, the second prototype will enter the test fleet to expedite the certification required time. The company expects to begin deliveries of the KC-390 to the FAB in the first half of 2018, shortly after receiving the type certificate in 2017.
" We are happy with the aircraft and had good availability for testing, sometimes making two flights a day," said the vice president of the KC-390 program, Paul Gaston Silva. "The aircraft has behaved very well and we managed to cover the entire flight envelope. We have reached the limits of speed, Mach number and altitude, testing all positions slat, flap and gear. Also we made an on-board shutdown with restart of the engine and APU during the flight. "
Silva said the five countries that are collaborating with the project remains interested in purchasing the KC-390, they are Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic and Portugal.The advantage stated by it's multi-mission design of the KC, which can perform various jobs in cargo and contingent aerial refueling tanker and use. "It can carry all kinds of loads, including vehicle and helicopters, and is very competitive in terms of life cycle cost."
The Brazilian Air Force maintains its initial order for 28 KC-390 and is performing the payment in installments in accordance with the project development.
