Embraer announces partnership to develop aerial refueling system

Embraer announced this Monday (19) that it has entered into a partnership with L3Harris Technologies to develop the “Agile Tanker”, an agile tactical aerial refueling option to meet the operational guidelines of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Joint Force requirements, especially for disputed environments.

The companies signed an agreement to expand the refueling capabilities of Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium tactical jet.

Enhancements include the integration of a resupply system known as the “flying boom” in addition to mission systems to enable distributed location and support of operations in disputed areas, as well as resilient communication meeting JADC2 requirements (joint command and control for all domains, in the English translation).

To meet the requirements of United States legislation (Buy American Act), the parties are studying the production of the “Agile Tanker” program with final assembly in the United States, followed by modernization and preparation for the mission at the L3Harris modification center in Waco. , in Texas.

“U.S. Air Force strategists have established that realizing the Agile Combat Employment vision will require optimized refueling platforms to support a disaggregated air domain approach in disputed environments,” Christopher E. Kubasik, President and CEO of L3Harris.

“Collaboration with Embraer to develop and integrate new capabilities into the KC-390 multi-mission aircraft provides a cost-effective and quick-to-implement solution,” says the executive.

The enhancements will complement the aircraft’s current refueling capabilities, which include the variable-speed probe-and-basket system, the ability to receive in-flight fuel, as well as takeoff and landing on short, unprepared runways, allowing for greater mission area coverage.

The president and CEO of Embraer, Francisco Gomes Neto, says that the company continues to seek significant and strategic partnerships that generate new developments and expand the market reach of the KC-390 Millennium”.

“Our aircraft is catching the attention of air forces around the world, and we are particularly excited about this opportunity to combine Embraer’s state-of-the-art platform and systems with L3Harris’ mission solutions to meet US Air Force operational guidelines. United States,” he says.