The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will purchase 28 KC-390 aircraft from Embraer under a contract signed at Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
In April 2009, FAB and Embraer agreed to develop the new KC-390 military jet transport during the seventh edition of Latin America Aero and Defence (LAAD) in Rio de Janeiro.
The KC-390 will include computed air release point (CARP) technology integrated with the fly-by-wire system, which will add greater accuracy to air dropping while lowering crew workload.
It will also include a modern avionics system, including two head-up displays (HUD) and a complete self-defence system.
Fully compatible with night vision goggle (NVG) technology, the KC-390 will be capable of operating from short and semiprepared runways.
It will be used for transportation of troops and cargo in Antarctica and Amazon regions, in-flight refuelling, search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
The first flight of the KC-390 aircraft is expected for 2014, following which it will enter service by the end of 2015.
