Cobham has been awarded a contract from Embraer Defense and Security to supply wing-mounted aerial refuelling pods for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) KC-390 airlifter.

The aerial refuelling pods are installed underneath the wings and allow fuel transfer from the KC-390 during air-to-air refuelling operations.

A retractable hose fitted with a drogue and fuel coupling accomplishes the fuel transfer, following which the hose and drogue are stored in the pod.

The tanker crew monitors the refuelling via control panels and video cameras.

Cobham Mission Equipment vice-president Iain Gibson said Cobham Mission pods would provide an excellent air-to-air refuelling capability for the KC-390.