Does Embraer’s KC-390 Stand A Chance At Becoming The Next Canadian Forces Fixed Wing SAR Aircraft?

November 15, 2012. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

The recent industry day on the Canadian Forces fixed wing search and rescue (FWSAR) project brought a new player into the mix. Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embaer was invited to attend.

The company has the KC-390, a twin-jet engine military transport under development by Embaer and the Brazilian air force. The first flight is planned for 2014 and the aircraft is to enter into service with the Brazilian military two years later.

Aviation Week magazine notes that Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Portugal have all committed to join Brazil in developing and purchasing the KC-390. From 2014 to 2021, 98 KC-390s are expected to be built, the magazine states.

So does Embraer stand a chance on the FWSAR project with its, so far, anyways, paper airplane?

Embraer officials didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.

Rob Maraucher at Viking Air, which itself is interesting playing a role in FWSAR either with its own aircraft or by joining forces with other players, says his firm is keeping an eye on the Embraer development. “The 390 is a Herc killer,” he told Defence Watch. “They want to get a western country involved in the program. That may put them in a situation where they’re prepared to make a lost leader here. We’re not discounting Embraer. We’re watching closely what develops there.”