Embraer To Develop New Transport Plane for Brazilian Air Force

Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a memorandum of understanding to study joint development of a new light military transport aircraft on Thursday.

The study seeks to identify alternatives and solutions to meet FAB’s operational needs, especially in the Amazon region and austere environments, including unpaved, short and damaged runways located in remote areas.

"The study will also seek to explore new technologies to provide solutions to FAB's extreme demands, such as different system architectures, innovative platform solutions, and hybrid-electric propulsion, among others," Embraer said in a statement.

FAB, which in 2019 received its first units of the modern KC-390 Millennium, a multi-mission tactical military airlifter, seeks with this study to complement and modernize its transport capabilities in the smaller segments, in order to fulfill Brazil’s needs.

According to the agreement, Embraer will carry out market studies for the development of the new aircraft, while FAB will provide its expertise in operating aircraft in this segment.

“The purpose of this memorandum is to formalize Embraer's intention to develop a light transport aircraft to carry cargo and personnel. The FAB's participation is mainly with regard to sharing expertise, based on projects that Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force have already developed in partnership, to meet the Air Force's needs over time”, said Lieutenant-Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez, Brazilian Air Force Commander.