Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable studies of an advanced unmanned aircraft concept.
The design and development of the model will serve as a strength for assessing whether they can meet the country’s future requirements in this area. However, neither participant detailed what missions the aircraft will have to perform.
An image for illustrative purposes, according to Embraer, shows what appears to be a jet plane with stealth features, with a double tail and possibly aimed at aerial reconnaissance and ground attack.
“This is a unique opportunity for the Brazilian Air Force to deepen its studies in disruptive technologies that may cause an imbalance in current and future scenarios,” stressed the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior.
The new FAB commander, who took over days ago, also reinforced that “In modern war, it is essential to use unmanned aerial platforms, operating alone or in conjunction with conventional aircraft. Such technology makes it possible to reduce costs and risks, without losing effectiveness in fulfilling the missions assigned to the Brazilian Air Force.”
Jackson Schneider, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, said that “This study is of fundamental importance for the maintenance and expansion of Embraer’s competencies in the development of aerial defense systems with high technological content and great integration complexity.”
FAB and Embraer are currently collaborating on the KC-390 program and also on the study for the development of a hybrid propulsion utility turboprop, among other projects. The new agreement did not specify deadlines for the presentation of the conceptual aircraft.
