Five Aircraft Receiving Comprehensive Capability Upgrade
In a ceremony at its Gavião Peixoto facilities on 27 November, Embraer delivered the first – of five – modernized EMB 145 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), which designates the type the E-99.
“[the aircraft] plays a strategic role in Brazil’s defence system and has already proven its operational effectiveness,” explained Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “As part of Embraer’s growth strategy for the coming years, we have invested in diversifying our business portfolio of defence and security with innovative solutions to better meet the defence global market needs, which goes far beyond our jets.”
The mission systems and related subsystems, including EW, C2, electronic countermeasures and aerial surveillance radar, were updated as part of the modernization process, expanding the FAB’s capacity to carry out airspace control and electronic reconnaissance missions, among others. The E-99M project is conducted by COPAC, with support from Embraer and various international suppliers, such as SAAB, Aeroelectronica International (AELI), and Rohde & Schwarz. In addition to modernization, the project involves technology transfer agreements that will enable technological advances within the Brazilian defense industry. Atech, for example, an Embraer Defense and Security company, participates in the development of the C2 system.
Six mission planning and analysis stations were also acquired, which will be used for training and enhancing crew efficiency. Built on the successful ERJ 145 regional jet platform, with more than 1,200 units delivered and 30 million flight hours, the FAB E-99 aircraft can detect, track, and identify targets in their patrol area and transmit this information to allied forces. The aircraft can also perform airspace management, fighter positioning and interception control, signals intelligence, and surveillance missions.
