Finmeccanica’s Selex has secured a contract from Embraer Defense & Security to deliver Gabbiano T20 radar systems for the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) KC-390 transport aircraft.
The X-band radar Gabbiano offers accurate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue (SAR) and patrol missions on sea, coast and land, along with high-resolution imagery and superior detection ranges.
The solution features a suite of modes including air-to-sea surveillance, with track while scan (TWS), high-resolution ground mapping (Spot/Strip-SAR), ship target imaging and classification with ISAR and navigation with ground mapping and weather avoidance.
Delivery of the system is expected to begin this year.
In 2014, Embraer signed a BRL7.2bn ($3.25bn) contract with the FAB for series production and delivery of the KC-390 military transport aircraft.
The contract covers delivery of a total of 28 aircraft, along with a logistical support package comprising spare parts and maintenance.
The KC-390 is a joint project between Embraer and FAB to develop and produce a tactical military transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, which will represent a significant advancement in terms of technology and innovation for the Brazilian aeronautics industry.
A broad spectrum of missions is performed by the aircraft, from cargo and troop transport, cargo deployment, aerial refuelling, SAR and combating forest fires, with lower operating costs.
Selex has already equipped all of the FAB’s and Navy’s key airborne platforms including the AMX, F-5, P95 and Lynx, with more than 140 airborne fire control and surveillance radars (M-Scan and AESA).
Recently, the firm received a contract from US-based prime contractor Integrated Surveillance and Defense (ISD) to provide a SAGE 600 digital Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system for the Indonesian Air Force.
Image: The Gabbiano T20 radar system will incorporate radar modes optimised for military transport aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Selex ES SpA.
