The Brazilian Air Force Embraer KC-390 achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) today. As part of the IOC, Embraer obtained a KC-390 Provisional Type Certificate from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), According to the schedule, in 2018, the final Type Certificate will be issued.
To date, the tests campaign has accumulated more than 1,500 flight hours with 2 prototypes and more than 40,000 hours of laboratory testing of the aircraft’s various systems. The structural tests campaign is nearing completion, with only the full-scale fatigue test remaining. In-flight tests of various military functionalities will be completed, including the remaining aerial refueling and cargo dropping tests, to fulfill the requirements to receive the final military certification of the aircraft with the achievement of the Final Operational Capability – FOC. Delivery of the first series aircraft to the FAB is also scheduled to take place in 2018.
“We are pleased to announce the achievement of this important milestone for the KC-390 Program,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The certification campaign has progressed as planned and the tests performed have been very successful, proving the maturity of the aircraft and confirming the performance and the anticipated capacities.” The achievement of the IOC ensures the necessary conditions have been met for the aircraft to start operations, in accordance with the scope agreed upon with the FAB.
