Agile Tanker: Embraer and L3 Harris to develop version of KC-390 for USAF

Embraer S.A. and L3Harris Technologies have just announced their partnership to develop the «Agile Tanker», a boom-equipped KC-390 Millennium option capable of in-flight refueling of USAF and allied aircraft.

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The development of the Agile Tanker responds to the operational needs of the U.S. Air Force and joint force refueling requirements, especially in conflicting logistical environments.

The companies signed an agreement to expand the capabilities of Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium tactical tanker aircraft. Enhancements include the addition of advanced boom operations and mission systems to support agile basing and sustainment for operations in contested areas, and resilient communications supporting JADC2 requirements. (Joint All-Domain Command and Control).

“U.S. Air Force strategic planners have stated agile combat employment will require refueling platforms optimized to support a disaggregated approach to air dominance in contested logistics environments,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “Collaborating with Embraer to develop and integrate new capabilities to the multi-mission KC-390 provides a cost-effective, fast-to-field solution that embodies our trusted disruptor approach.”

Aircraft enhancements will complement the tanker’s existing capabilities, which already include the ability to refuel aircraft with a variable speed drogue, receive fuel, and to take off and land from short and improvised runways, allowing for greater mission area coverage.

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“We continue seeking meaningful and strategic partnerships that generate new developments and expand the KC-390 Millennium’s market reach,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. “Our aircraft is capturing the attention of Air Forces around the world, and we’re thrilled by this opportunity to combine Embraer’s state-of-the-art platform and systems with L3Harris’ mission-driven solutions to deliver on the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives.”

The speedy, versatile, customizable KC-390 Millennium can support a range of missions and possesses a high-reliability rate.  By combining L3Harris’ experience as an aircraft missionization prime with Embraer’s state-of-the-art jet-powered KC-390 Millennium platform, both companies are ready to provide the next generation of tanker solutions for the Department of Defense and the US Air Force.

See also: Embraer conclude flight tests for C-390 Millennium firefighting capabilities

To support the Buy American Act requirements, the parties are studying the Agile Tanker program production with final assembly in the U.S., followed by aircraft modernization and missionization at the L3Harris’ Waco, Texas, aircraft modification center.

Update

Consulted by Aviacionline, the companies indicated that while the boom refueling equipment is in the design phase, the intention is to make it as adaptable as possible. Therefore, it is not a permanent installation, and a KC-390 that one day fuels a squadron of F-35As, another day can return to tactical transport roles, with the rear ramp fully operational.