Aviation
L3 Harris to Develop New Agile Tanker via KC-390 to Support Air Force
L3 Harris converting KC 390 into Agile Tanker for US Air Force Joint refueling Requirement.
Arlington, Va., September 19, 2022 — Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced a partnership to develop an “Agile Tanker,” a tactical aerial refueling option to address the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives and joint force refueling requirements, especially for contested logistics environments.
The companies signed an agreement to expand the capabilities of Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium tactical tanker aircraft. Enhancements include the addition of advanced boom operations and mission systems to support agile basing and sustainment for operations in contested areas, and resilient communications supporting JADC2 requirements.
“U.S. Air Force strategic planners have stated agile combat employment will require refueling platforms optimized to support a disaggregated approach to air dominance in contested logistics environments,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “Collaborating with Embraer to develop and integrate new capabilities to the multi-mission KC-390 provides a cost-effective, fast-to-field solution that embodies our trusted disruptor approach.”
10 things about Embraer KC 390.(Opens in a new browser tab)
Aircraft enhancements will complement the tanker’s existing capabilities, which already include the ability to refuel aircraft with a variable speed drogue, receive fuel, and take off and land from short and improvised runways, allowing for greater mission area coverage.
Aircraft comparison Brazil’s KC-390 vs Japan’s Kawasaki C-2(Opens in a new browser tab)
“We continue seeking meaningful and strategic partnerships that generate new developments and expand the KC-390 Millennium’s market reach,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President, and CEO of Embraer. “Our aircraft is capturing the attention of Air Forces around the world, and we’re thrilled by this opportunity to combine Embraer’s state-of-the-art platform and systems with L3Harris’ mission-driven solutions to deliver on the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives.”
The Air Force operational imperatives are a roadmap for successfully bringing about the new technologies, thinking, and cultures the Air and Space Forces must have to deter and, if necessary, defeat modern-day adversaries.
The speedy, versatile, customizable KC-390 Millennium can support a range of missions and possesses a high-reliability rate. By combining L3Harris’ experience as an aircraft missionization prime with Embraer’s state-of-the-art jet-powered KC-390 Millennium platform, both companies are ready to provide the next generation of tanker solutions for the Department of Defense and the US Air Force.
To support the Buy American Act requirements, the parties are studying the Agile Tanker program production with final assembly in the U.S., followed by aircraft modernization and missionization at the L3Harris’ Waco, Texas, aircraft modification center.
Aviation
COMAC Secures $1.5B Regional Jets Order Deal with Hainan Airlines
- In a move to strengthen its fleet and boost regional service, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. announced plans to acquire 40 ARJ21-700 jets from China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC). As reported by Bloomberg.
- The total deal, valued at up to $1.52 billion, highlights Hainan Airlines’ commitment to expanding its domestic reach with locally manufactured aircraft. The low-cost carrier Urumqi Air, part of Hainan’s group, will operate these jets under the deal, which outlines the delivery of aircraft in batches starting in 2025 and concluding by 2032.
- Air China to Launch COMAC’s C929 in a Bid to Rival Boeing and Airbus
- The ARJ21-700, China’s first independently developed regional jet, is designed for short- to medium-haul routes, making it a strategic fit for Urumqi Air’s service network. This regional jet features a seating configuration of 78 to 97 passengers, comac c919 price along with a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers—ideal for connecting smaller cities across China.
- With this acquisition, Urumqi Air aims to further bolster regional connectivity, meeting the growing demand for efficient, economical travel options.In line with COMAC’s established naming conventions seen with the C919 narrowbody and the upcoming C929 widebody aircraft, the ARJ21-700’s designation emphasizes COMAC’s expanding product lineup.
- Notably, in mid-October 2024, this updated jet model name was spotted on aircraft at Shanghai Pudong Airport, stirring anticipation about COMAC’s future plans.
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