Sagem joins suppliers for KC-390

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PARIS, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The Sagem company of France has become the latest supplier of components for Embraer of Brazil's KC-390 transport/tanker aircraft.

Under a contract from Embraer, Sagem will supply the horizontal stabilizer trim system for the plane, which is being built for the Brazilian air force and which is scheduled for first flight in 2014.

"Embraer's choice confirms the technology decisions we have made concerning next-generation electrical actuators," said Sagem Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Petitcolin. "Our system selected for this aircraft fully reflects the emerging concept of 'more electric' aircraft.

"Another feature is its dual technology compatibility, since it will be equally at home on tomorrow's military or civil aircraft."

The KC-390 is a twin-engine jet aircraft capable of carrying 23.6 tons of cargo, including vehicles. It will have a range of about 1,500 miles and a service ceiling of 36,000 feet.

Embraer announced this week that Hamilton Sundstrand of the United States will provide auxiliary power units for the aircraft.

Sagem, a member of the Safran Group, said development of the system for the KC-390 will be performed by its research and development center near Paris.