The Brazilian Air Force has requested a reduction of its KC-390 military cargo plane order to aerospace firm Embraer because of budget woes the service is suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
From an original order of 28 aircraft, the air force will now only be procuring 22. Embraer said it ensured that the new production rates aligned with the service’s budget conditions.
The agreement allowed a reduction of six aircraft from the air force’s originally requested ten, which is “much less traumatic” for Embraer and the service’s operational needs.
The delivery schedule has also been extended to 2034, cutting the rate by more than half.
Embraer is expected to carry out a promotional campaign in other countries to export the undelivered aircraft.
KC-390 Multi-Purpose Aircraft
The KC-390 is a medium-weight transport plane that features fly-by-wire technology to reduce pilot workload. It is powered by a twin turbofan engine and can be refueled in flight.
The aircraft has a maximum altitude of 10,973 meters (36,000 feet) and a top speed of 987 kilometers (613 miles) per hour.
According to Embraer, the KC-390 can perform various missions, including humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and transport of cargo and troops.
The Brazilian Air Force has already utilized the plane to conduct humanitarian missions.