Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) are working together to evolve the multi-mission KC-390 Millennium aircraft, to provide advanced tanking capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations. Together, the two companies are addressing the need for agile combat employment through joint investment and a focus on quickly delivering capabilities to the warfighter. The companies are joining forces to combine their insights and experiences to rapidly advance the initiatives required to deliver a next generation air-refueling system. Drawing on the companies’ extensive expertise in aircraft design, development and production with systems integration and industry-leading manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration sets the stage for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for the U.S. and allied air forces and shapes the requirements for future aerial logistics architectures. Key features will include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom, enhanced communications, situational awareness and survivability options, as well as adaptable mission systems. These improvements will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refueling operations and broaden its mission scope in operational environments.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security: “Together, we will leverage the strengths of two leaders in the defense industry, with a focus on developing a boom refueling system for the KC-390 Millennium so that we can bring the right capability to the U.S. Department of War and other allied nations. The KC-390 is an operationally proven and cost-effective platform that could quickly be added to the U.S. Air Force inventory.”
Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems: “Northrop Grumman, together with Embraer, is making strategic investments to address the gap in advanced air mobility solutions globally. We’re listening to our customers, particularly in allied nations who seek greater operational autonomy and efficiency, and we’re exploring new technologies that will increase the versatility of the proven KC-390 platform and deliver that greater operational independence our customers need.”
The Embraer 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. The KC-390 Millennium stands out as the most capable aircraft in its class, engineered to perform complex missions in the most demanding environments. Designed and built in the 21st century to withstand current and future threats, this multi-mission medium airlift and tanker jet delivers superior performance, operational flexibility, and cost efficiency. Its capabilities include aerial refueling, agile combat employment and rapid response across a wide range of mission profiles. The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a mid-sized utility transport aircraft. Its design permits flexible operations. Both the internal and external configuration of the aircraft can be rapidly interchanged to accommodate different mission roles due the modular design adopted since the aircraft concept for all missions systems. It incorporates modern technology and mission software to aid crews in carrying out operations. The cockpit has head-up displays for the enhanced vision system with four cameras and Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion commercial avionics. The C-390 can provide inflight refueling to other aircraft through two wing-mounted probe and drogue pods from Cobham plc.
Embraer Defense & Security Inc. (EDSI) is a subsidiary of Embraer Defense & Security, a leading aerospace and defense global company. In addition to the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer and the multi-mission KC-390 Millennium military airlifter and air-to-air refueler, it provides a full line of integrated solutions and applications such as Command-and-Control Center (C4I), ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), ground and space systems. With a growing presence on the global market, Embraer Defense & Security products and solutions are present in more than 60 countries. EDSI assembles the A-29 Super Tucano in Jacksonville, FL for American and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers worldwide. EDSI also provides spare parts, services & support for the global A-29 FMS fleet. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, headquartered in West Falls Church, Virginia, is an American aerospace and defense company that designs and manufactures systems for aeronautics, defense, missions, and space. The company is the 5th largest contractor of the U.S. federal government; it receives over 2% of total spending by the federal government of the United States on contractors.
