Embraer Defense & Security strengthens partnership with the Brazilian industry for the KC-390 program

The Brazilian company AEL Sistemas, based in Porto Alegre, was selected by Embraer Defense and Security to supply three more components to the KC-390 military airlifter and tanker jet: the Self-Protection System (SPS); the Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM); and the Head-Up Display (HUD).

Embraer is developing the KC-390 under a contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), that has the final word on the selection of suppliers for systems considered as strategic, such as propulsion, avionics, mission, self-protection, cargo handling and aerial delivery, among others. AEL was selected by Embraer, last September, to supply the new jet's mission computers. The aircraft flight tests will begin in 2014, and first delivery is expected for 2016.

"The KC-390 is being designed to operate all over the world, in different scenarios, with the same outstanding performance," said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, Vice President Operations & COO, Embraer Defense and Security. "The selection of the main suppliers is of utmost relevance for us to achieve our commitment with the Brazilian Air Force of placing the KC-390 at the highest technology standard, as a unique aircraft that will add much value for Brazil."

Shlomo Erez, President of AEL, commented: "We are very proud to have been selected to provide Embraer's KC-390 with our cutting edge technological systems – the SPS, DIRCM and HUD – in addition to the mission computer that has already been selected. This selection attests to AEL's relevance to the most advanced aircraft industries, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to share our know-how and proven experience with our partners Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force."

About the systems

The SPS guarantees situational awareness and survivability in hostile environments, allowing the aircraft to detect and react to various threats. The KC-390 has unique survivability requirements against ground-to-air threats due to missions such as low altitude parachute extraction, airborne assault and air infiltration and exfiltration.

The DIRCM is the most modern system for countermeasures against infrared missiles, being the primary and most efficient tool available against such threat. AEL's solution uses last-generation fiber optic laser, which energy beam inhibits infrared missiles kilometers far from the KC-390. The high level of integration between the DIRCM and the SPS offers an optimal solution in terms of performance, installation and weight.

The HUD shows flight information in the pilot's field of view during all phases of the flight. The Low Visibility Takeoff (LVTO) functionality will allow the KC-390 to safely operate under severe and adverse conditions. Furthermore, a color video camera installed in the flight deck will record pilot's field of view overlaid with the information generated by the HUD for post mission analysis.