Embraer KC-390 achieves initial operational capability

The new Embraer KC-390 military transport and aerial refueling jet completed a relevant milestone today, with Embraer demonstrating to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) the attainment of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

The achievement of the IOC ensures the necessary conditions have been met for the aircraft to start operations, in accordance with the scope agreed upon with the FAB. As part of the IOC, Embraer obtained a KC-390 Provisional Type Certificate from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), which is a testament to the adequacy of the design in fulfilling the demanding certification requirements for transport aircraft.

"We are pleased to announce the achievement of this important milestone for the KC-390 Program," said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "The certification campaign has progressed as planned and the tests performed have been very successful, proving the maturity of the aircraft and confirming the performance and the anticipated capacities."

To date, the tests campaign has accumulated more than 1,500 flight hours with 2 prototypes and more than 40,000 hours of laboratory testing of the aircraft's various systems. The structural tests campaign is nearing completion, with only the full-scale fatigue test remaining.

According to the schedule, in 2018, the final Type Certificate will be issued by ANAC. Additionally, in-flight tests of various military functionalities will be completed, including the remaining aerial refueling and cargo dropping tests, to fulfill the requirements to receive the final military certification of the aircraft with the achievement of the Final Operational Capability – FOC.

The delivery of the first series aircraft to the FAB is scheduled to take place in 2018.