The Brazilian Air Force has taken delivery of the first modernized E-99 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from Embraer.
A ceremony at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant on November 27 marked the delivery of the first of five EMB 145 aircraft to be modernized.
The E-99M project is conducted by the Combat Aircraft Program Coordinating Committee (COPAC) with support from Embraer and various international suppliers, such as SAAB who is delivering the Erieye active electronically scanned array radar, Aeroelectronica International (AELI), and Rohde & Schwarz. In addition to modernization, the project entails technology transfer agreements that will enable technological advancements for the Brazilian defense industry.
The mission systems and related subsystems, including electronic warfare, command and control, electronic countermeasures, and aerial surveillance radar were updated as part of the modernization process, expanding FAB’s capacity to carry out flight control and alarm missions and electronic reconnaissance, among others.
Atech, an Embraer Defense and Security company, participates in the development of the command and control system. Six mission planning and analysis stations were also acquired, which will be used for the training and improvement of crews.
“For Embraer, it is a privilege to continue meeting FAB’s needs to keep this robust and modern aircraft updated. It plays a strategic role in Brazil’s defense system and has already proven its operational effectiveness,” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “As part of Embraer’s growth strategy for the coming years, we have invested in diversifying our business portfolio of defense and security with innovative solutions to better meet the defense global market needs, which goes far beyond our jets.”
Built on the ERJ 145 regional jet platform, the FAB E-99 aircraft can detect, track, and identify targets in their patrol area and transmit this information to allied forces. The aircraft can also perform airspace management, fighter positioning and interception control, signals intelligence, and surveillance missions.
