Embraer S.A. (ERJ)

[spec machine]

Embraer KC-390 military transport makes successful first flight
photo gallery -http://aviationweek.com/defense/photo-gallery-kc-390-first-flight#slide-6-field_images-1256171

SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer today successfully performed the first flight of the new military transport and aerial refueling jet, the KC-390. Test pilots Mozart Louzada and Marcos Salgado de Oliveira Lima and flight test engineers Raphael Lima and Roberto Becker flew the aircraft for 1 hour and 25 minutes, conducting an evaluation of flying qualities and performance.

"This first flight is a fundamental step toward accomplishing the task with which we were entrusted. The KC-390 is the result of a close cooperation with the Brazilian Air Force and international partners, representing what is most likely the greatest technological challenge that the Company has ever encountered in its history. We are profoundly moved for having achieved this key milestone", said Frederico Fleury Curado, President and CEO of Embraer.

"The program continues to move forward as planned and the KC-390 has drawn interest from several countries around the world", said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "We are proud to once again keep our commitments in the development of this aircraft, which will set a new standard in the category of tactical military transport."

"The KC-390 will be the backbone of transport aviation for the Brazilian Air Force. From the Amazon to Antarctica, the fleet of 28 aircraft will play a key role in the diversity of projects of the Brazilian State, from scientific research to the maintenance of sovereignty", said Aeronautics Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier General Nivaldo Luiz Rossato.

http://aviationweek.com/defense/photo-gallery-kc-390-first-flight#slide-6-field_images-1256171