The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is seeking to expand its capabilities with the Embraer KC-390 and already has two projects in progress.
Today, Portugal has two c-390 jets that, coming soon, will be in the KC-390 standard, since FAP is in the process of acquiring refueling probes that will allow Embraer's jet to supply other aircraft. Some countries, Like Brazil, have this system as standard in all their units. Others, like Austria, preferred not to acquire this equipment for lack of demand for air replenishment in its context.
FAP still has three more KC-390 to be received and wait, to 2027, count on this ability, which is considered “very important” by the squad commander 506, Major Miguel Ângelo Paulo Pousa.
In an interview with Flightglobal, or official, that leads the only unit that operates the KC-390 today in Portugal, stated that the ability to support other nations or even sell hours of refueling aircraft flight is an advantage.
The initial choice of not purchasing the probe is very simple: currently, No FAP aircraft has the ability to receive fuel in flight, With the exception of KC-390 itself and F-16A/B fighters. However, The latter use the American Air Force system, that does not adopt the standard of hose and basket, but a spear that connects to a nozzle on the back of the fighter. It's KC-390, today, It has no ability to replenish the fetters F-16, F-35a, F-22 e F-15.
nevertheless, FAP's interest in the equipment suggests a possible substitute future for the F-16 by a non-American platform, like Gripen - something that has been recently ventilated.
It is worth mentioning that the KC-390 is not replacing the C-130 Hercules in FAP, but complementing it. A decision will be made soon, And Embraer already comes out ahead: "Now that we have seen how robust is the C-390 and with the withdrawal of the C-130, We are in a critical moment to make this decision, And it will come in the near future", concluded Major Pousa.
Source: aeroin.net
