Embraer KC-390 testes i USA - AIN

Embraer KC-390 Now in the U.S. for More

Test Flights

by Chris Pocock

 - November 22, 2017, 9:49 AM

The KC-390 has dropped paratroops during the flight test campaign,

which has now moved to the U.S. temporarily. (Embraer Defense &

Security)

One of the two Embraer KC-390 prototypes has flown to the U.S. to continue the flight-test program for the twinjet military transport and tanker. It will operate from Embraer’s facility in Jacksonville, Florida, for tests of the avionics systems; crosswind operations; and external noise measurements, tests that are expected to last two-to-three weeks. The move comes despite a serious flight-test incident in Brazil on October 12, when the first prototype nearly crashed during low-speed handling trials.

Embraer told AIN that the aircraft’s primary structure suffered no damage during the incident, despite a “substantial” loss of altitude and “some exceeding of both airspeed and load factor operating limitations.” Brazilian media reported that the aircraft stalled and spun, after some test equipment broke loose and rolled to the back of the cargo compartment. The pilots managed to recover control, but managed to stabilize the aircraft at only 1,000 feet above ground level.

The KC-390 appears to have been flying at 20,000 feet during the flight test, which Embraer said was designed “to assess low-speed flying qualities with simulated ice shapes installed.” The company said that some external fairings and access hatches were damaged and need to be repaired before the aircraft resumes flying. But, it added, “the certification schedule is not affected, and entry into service is confirmed for 2018 with the delivery of the first production aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force.”

Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, maintained that “the flight-test campaign is progressing extremely well and matching the aircraft design goals.” The company said that more than 1,450 hours have been flown with the two prototypes since the flight-test campaign began in late October 2015, and that the aircraft has demonstrated “high rates of availability.” The prototype made its maiden flight in February 2015, but the entire KC-390 program was delayed by Brazilian government budget cuts.

At the end of last month, Schneider told AIN that "wet" refueling trials would be flown by the end of this year. Tthe aircraft performed "dry" contacts with two Brazilian air force F-5s last February. He predicted that the first delivery would be in June or July next year, with the Brazilian air force achieving full operating capability by the end of 2018.

The order for 28 KC-390s by the Brazilian air force remains the only firm one to date. But Schneider told AIN that discussions with Portugal for that country’s air force to acquire five aircraft are at an advanced stage. Portuguese MRO company OGMA is an industrial partner in the program.