By: Ricardo Meier
The aerial refueling and transport aircraft is in Las Vegas during the ARSAG conference, which brings together several services
Embraer is determined to overcome the traditional resistance of the US military to acquiring military aircraft from abroad.
Although there are several programs with international partners, they are only accepted after exhaustive evaluations and with strong local partners.
The Brazilian company, however, is taking advantage of the positive moment of the KC-390 Millennium airlifter to reinforce its performance and capabilities and to this end is participating in the 47th edition of the ARSAG (Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group)conference, which will take place from April 29 to May 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ARSAG is attended by members of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and allies from 20 countries who share best practices and the safety of joint military operations and aerial refueling systems.
A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) KC-390 landed at Harry Reid International Airport, where it is on display. In addition, Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior was a guest on a panel that discussed relevant industry topics, along with Northrop Grumman executives and moderated by retired U.S. Air Force General John B. Sams Jr., Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of ARSAG.
“We’re very happy to participate in ARSAG this year and for the opportunity to address how Embraer and the KC-390 Millennium are ready to support the U.S. Department of Defense to overcome some of the critical air refueling challenges facing the U.S. and allied partner nations worldwide,” said President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior.
“Agile combat”
In a video shared by Embraer, the company seeks to demonstrate that the KC-390 is not limited to transport and aerial refueling missions.
The Brazilian manufacturer lists several application scenarios for the aircraft, whether in firefighting or aerial ICU, but above all for “agile combat deployment.”
In Embraer’s view, the Millennium offers flexibility, interoperability with allied forces and agility in air travel, hence it is considered more than an ‘airlift’ if equipped with extensive and secure communications.
“It’s a joint all domain command and control node,” says the video. Among the characteristics described is the ability to be loaded and unloaded quickly and the range.
Aircraft not sought by the US Department of Defense
Embraer’s biggest challenge is to convince the Pentagon that the KC-390 can be a versatile, off-the-shelf solution for the various needs of the US military amid changes in the war theater.
At the moment, there is no competition in this regard, despite the US Air Force studying new tanker aircraft. In addition, there is the widespread use of the C-130 Hercules, a rival aircraft to the Millennium that continues to be honored by successive administrations.
Despite the difficulties, a contract with the United States would change the outlook for Embraer’s defense division in a way that has never happened before. It is certainly worth all the effort to demonstrate the C-390 in the country.