Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) are beginning collaborative studies to identify potential platform adaptations for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the two organisations announced on 10 April 2024 at the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Santiago, Chile.
The platforms to be considered are those already operational with the FAB, such as the C-390 Millennium tanker/transport aircraft.
“The Brazilian Air Force constantly monitors its ability to fulfil its missions completely in the current context, while also looking at future challenges and the evolution of technologies. Studying the adherence and adaptability of Embraer platforms to the future challenges of these missions is an expected way to maximise commonality and technological autonomy,” Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the FAB commander, was quoted as saying in an Embraer press release.
“Embraer has a successful track record in adapting its platforms for different objectives,” added Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The joint studies will allow the expansion of the solutions portfolio to meet the operational needs of the Brazilian Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and potential international customers. This is another important step in the long-term relationship between Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force.”
While the FAB does operate up to eight Embraer EMB-110 twin-turboprop aircraft in the surveillance role, these aircraft entered service as long ago as the late 1970s.
The FAB also operates three Embraer R-99 remote sensing aircraft derived from the ERJ-145 regional jet, as well as five ERJ-145-based airborne early warning aircraft, but has not adopted the P-99 maritime patrol aircraft variant of this platform.
