The first prototype of the latest and largest aircraft type developed by Brazilian aerospace group Embraer, the KC-390 military airlifter and air-to-air refuelling aircraft, made its maiden flight on Tuesday. The aircraft took off from the airfield at the company’s plant at Gavião Peixoto in São Paulo state.

The aircraft was flown by test pilots Mozart Louzada and Marcos Salgado de Oliveira Lima and flight test engineers Raphael Lima and Roberto Becker. The first flight lasted for one hour and 25 minutes. The flight followed an extensive series of ground tests. During the sortie, aircraft flight characteristics were evaluated and a number of systems tests carried out.

“The KC-390 behaved in a docile and predictable manner,” reported Louzada. “The advanced fly-by-wire flight control system and the latest-generation avionics make flying easy and render a smooth and precise flight.”

“This first flight is a fundamental step toward accomplishing the task with which we were entrusted,” stated Embraer CEO Frederico Fleury Curado. “The KC-390 is the result of a close cooperation with the Brazilian Air Force and international partners, representing what is most likely the greatest technological challenge that the company has ever encountered in its history. We are profoundly moved for having achieved this key milestone.”

The new aircraft is a joint project between Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). In its press release, Embraer described the KC-390 as “a significant advance in terms of technology and innovation for the Brazilian aeronautics industry”. It is intended to set new standards in its class, have lower operational costs and carry out a wide range of missions.

“The programme continues to move forward as planned and the KC-390 has drawn interest from several countries around the world,” said Embraer Defence & Security CEO Jackson Schneider. “We are proud to once again keep our commitments in the development of this aircraft, which will set a new standard in the category of tactical military transport.”

“The KC-390 will be the backbone of transport aviation for the Brazilian Air Force,” highlighted FAB Commander Lieutenant-Brigadier (equivalent to Lieutenant-General) Nivaldo Luiz Rossato. “From the Amazon to Antarctica, the fleet of 28 aircraft will play a key role in the diversity of projects of the Brazilian State, from scientific research to the maintenance of sovereignty.”

Apart from the 28 aircraft on order by the FAB, five other countries – Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Portugal – have signed intentions to purchase another 32 aircraft. The FAB expects to take delivery of its first production KC-390 during the second half of next year. With a maximum concentrated payload of 26 t and a maximum distributed payload of 23 t, the KC-390 is regarded internationally as a competitor to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules II. It will replace earlier model Hercules in Brazilian service.