In a joint statement, the two companies said that they would cooperate to install hard-tube refueling equipment and modern communication equipment for KC-390 transport aircraft/tankers. The upgraded KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker will support the implementation of the concept of "agile operational deployment" of the US Air Force, and reduce the dependence on fragile air bases by establishing a tanker network in a certain area.
KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker is a derivative of C-390 transport aircraft developed by Embraer, which belongs to medium-sized dual-engine turbofan power multi-purpose tactical transport aircraft, mainly targeting the market that originally used American C- 130 transport aircraft. 2065438+February 2005, the C-390 transport plane made its first flight, and the KC-390 transport plane/tanker, which was not much different from it, also launched a test flight. Foreign media reported that in February, 20021,the Brazilian Air Force sent a KC-390 transport plane/tanker to the United States to conduct experiments in extremely cold conditions.
Objectively speaking, KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker has certain advantages in obtaining orders from the US Air Force. First of all, KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker adopts mature technology and design of commercial aircraft, which shortens the research and development cycle, reduces maintenance and operation costs, and has low life cycle cost. Secondly, the Brazilian Air Force's C-390 transport plane and KC-390 transport plane/tanker undertake the tasks of transporting aircraft parts to Antarctica, transporting epidemic prevention medical supplies, and earthquake relief in Haiti. In February, 20021year, a KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker of the Brazilian Air Force also conducted joint training with C- 17 transport aircraft and C- 130 transport aircraft of the US Air Force, and * * * supported 4,000 paratroopers to parachute at night. Thirdly, C-390 transport aircraft and KC-390 transport aircraft/tankers get a large number of orders, which can further reduce their production costs.
In just 20 13 a year, Embraer received ***60 orders. In addition to Brazil, many countries in Europe and South America have placed orders. This year, it also received nine orders from the Dutch Air Force. Finally, Embraer's marketing to the United States mostly relies on local enterprises. From 2065438 to 2007, Embraer cooperated with Sierra Nevada AG of the United States, and when its A-29 light attack aircraft participated in the US Air Force's "Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft" project, it launched the propaganda slogan of "American A-29". This cooperation with L3 Harris Company is also a copy of this model, which is convenient to dredge various relations in the United States. At the same time, this move can also use L3 Harris Company to upgrade hard pipe refueling and other related technologies to meet the special needs of the US Air Force.
However, KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker exported to the United States also faces many problems. In 20 18, Embraer and Boeing reached an agreement to jointly develop KC-390 transport aircraft/tanker, but the cooperation between the two sides ended less than six months after the agreement was reached. The cooperation with L3 Harris is also unpredictable. Coupled with the prevalence of protectionism in the United States in recent years, it is unknown whether it is willing to hand over the big arms purchase order to Brazilian enterprises.