The First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT, Zeus Squadron) performed for the first time in the history of the KC-390 Millennium aircraft a landing at a high-altitude aerodrome in Jauja, Peru. The landing was carried out during Exercise Cooperación IX, on 05/11, at 11,034 feet, or over 3,300 meters of altitude. The Exercise is being coordinated by the Peruvian Air Force, and brings together from May 8 to May 19, the air forces of 12 American countries, with the objective of training integration in scenarios of natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
The Commander of the 1st GTT, Lt Col Bruno Américo Pereira said, “That the landing at Francisco Carle airport was an important milestone for the FAB, as the airfield is strategic for military operations due to its proximity to the Andes Mountains. The city of Jauja is located in a valley at the top of the Andes Mountains, which is why the air operations that take place there require extreme caution and planning. such as the absence of air navigation aids in the location, demand a careful analysis of the aircraft’s performance capabilities, with the experience of its crew being essential”.
For the success of the mission, a great deal of interaction with the Brazilian Air Force personnels was necessary, who conducted an overflight, the day before landing, to carry out an ambiance in the locality. Performance and meteorology assessments were also carried out to provide the maximum capacity for cargo and passengers to be transported in support of operations in support of the areas affected by the aforementioned catastrophes. Airmen from the General Staff of the Air Force (EMAER) were also present on the flight, as well as members of the Permanent Secretariat of the Cooperation System among American Air Forces (SICOFAA).
The Embraer KC-390 (earlier named C-390) Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft designed and produced by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. It is the heaviest aircraft the company has constructed to date. Work on the project began at Embraer during the mid-2000s, with early efforts centred around a conceptual derivative of the E190 jetliner of a similar size to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The company was keen to use pure jet propulsion, instead of turboprops. The KC-390 can refuel in flight other aircraft through two wing-mounted probe and drogue pods from Cobham plc.
