The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) announced on Thursday that it had carried out a series of short landing exercises with the KC-390, a new military transport aircraft supplied by Embraer.
The training took place between September 28 and 29 at two different locations, the Anápolis Air Base, where the squadron that operates the twin-engine jet is headquartered, and the Santos Dumont Airport, in Rio de Janeiro, whose runway has only 1323 meters in total length.
The activity, according to the FAB, was aimed at enabling the squadron’s pilots to operate with the KC-390 on short runways, common in several regions where the aircraft can be used.
In Anapolis, ‘rejected landings’ were carried out, with the aircraft taking off after touching the runway, and also landings with the shortest possible distance. The Air Force has placed 1,000 meter, 1,200 meter and 1,500 meter markings on the runway, which is 3,300 meters long.
After obtaining satisfactory results, the KC-390 flew to Rio de Janeiro where it made landings at sea level. The FAB said the training was successful, however, it did not reveal any details about the freighter’s performance.
“All the steps that are part of the deployment of this new multi-mission aircraft are being successfully completed. In Anápolis, we can witness how the Project is maturing and improving its operational qualities, becoming essential in the various missions of the FAB,” said Wing 2 Commander, Colonel Aviator Gustavo Pestana Garce.
According to Embraer, the C-390 Millennium can land at distances of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) at sea level and weighing 26 tons.
