Embraer picks KC-390 suppliers

• Tweet

SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Embraer Defense and Security of Brazil has chosen Selex Galileo of Italy and two other companies for its KC-390 airlifter and tanker program.

Selex will supply Gabbiano Tactical Radar, model T-20. The system employs a transmitter that uses new solid state amplifier technology.

"As we move forward with the challenging phase of selecting suppliers for key systems of the KC-390, we are proud of the results achieved," said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, Embraer's senior vice president of operations and chief operations officer.

"We believe that Selex Galileo has the expertise, background and global reach to be a solid partner in Embraer's KC-390 program."

Embraer said Britain's Cobham Plc has been chosen to supply the aircraft's wing-mounted aerial refueling pods. The pods are installed under the wings and allow fuel transfer from the KC-390 during the air-to-air refueling operations.

Fuel transfer is accomplished via a retractable hose, at the end of which is fitted a drogue and fuel coupling that provides the connection to the probe of the receiver aircraft.

Also selected for the program is Brazilian company AEL Sistemas S.A., which will supply the aircraft's mission computer. The computer will consolidate a partnership in providing mission computers for other Embraer programs, such as the Super Tucano, A-1M, and F-5BR.

The computer will provide the required computational power to host the software responsible for integrating important mission systems, like tactical radar, self-protection system, data-link and the airdrop release point calculation.