Embraer unveiled an image of an E190-E2 commercial jet in a military version during KADEX, a defense exhibition held from October 2 to 6, 2024 in Gyeryongdae, South Korea.
The Brazilian manufacturer did not make any announcement regarding the “Special Missions” variant, but it is understood that the aircraft would serve as a platform for multiple tasks such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime patrol (MPA) and Airborne Early Warning (AEW), among others.
The E190-E2 is the intermediate model of the E2 family, with capacity for around 114 passengers and a length of 36 meters.
#Brazil‘s @embraer quietly shows off a concept image of a militarised E190-E2 narrowbody jet configured for special missions including airborne ISR, maritime patrol etc. Briliant move, targeting the gap between the usual business jets and 737/A330-sized platforms. #KADEX2024 pic.twitter.com/MKP0LNz4Xo
— Kelvin Wong (@PENxSWORD) October 4, 2024
The aircraft has improved range thanks to its custom-made wings and efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
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In other words, the jet could take on missions that are currently performed by aircraft such as business jets (Global 6500 and Praetor 600) and commercial jets such as the Boeing 737NG (P-8A Poseidon and E-7 Wedgetail).
Experience with other aircraft
This is not the first time that Embraer has mentioned the military E190-E2. Almost a year ago, Defense and Security CEO Joao Bosco da Costa Filho revealed that the company was evaluating a maritime patrol version, according to Aviation Week.
The choice of the E190-E2 to serve as a platform for special missions, however, contrasts with another proposal made by Embraer that uses the C-390 Millennium airlifter, which is heavier and has different performance characteristics.
For Embraer, offering militarized variants of its civilian aircraft is not exactly something new. Since the pioneering EMB-110 Bandeirante, the Brazilian company has transformed several types into military models.
One of the most prominent is the ERJ 145 AEW, an airborne early warning aircraft that also has a reconnaissance and maritime patrol version.
There is also the “Sea Sultan”, a maritime patrol and submarine warfare aircraft being developed by the Pakistan Navy using the Lineage 1000 platform, an executive version of the first-generation E190. In this case, the project does not have support from Embraer.
