Post by andypspotter on Dec 22, 2015 20:11:00 GMT
Embraer will put forward an ambitious bid to replace Canada’s antiquated fixed-wing search-and-rescue fleets, offering its in-development KC-390 military transport for the role.
The Brazilian manufacturer says the KC-390 is “ideally suited” for the mission, currently performed by six de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo and 13 Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules aircraft.
Operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force, the fleet operations range from the US border to the Arctic circle. The 48-year-old, short-takeoff DHC-5 supports operations in Canada’s mountainous western regions, while the modestly younger C-130s are on the East Coast.
Canada has not mandated a certain number of aircraft, and will even accept mixed-fleet proposals. The government reportedly expects a contract award in 2016 and final delivery by 2023.
This puts the squeeze on Embraer, which expects to certify the KC-390 in 2017 with first deliveries in 2018. “We don’t see any issue to comply with the delivery schedule,” the company says, while declining to reveal the quantity of aircraft offered.
The Brazilian manufacturer says the KC-390 is “ideally suited” for the mission, currently performed by six de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo and 13 Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules aircraft.
Operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force, the fleet operations range from the US border to the Arctic circle. The 48-year-old, short-takeoff DHC-5 supports operations in Canada’s mountainous western regions, while the modestly younger C-130s are on the East Coast.
Canada has not mandated a certain number of aircraft, and will even accept mixed-fleet proposals. The government reportedly expects a contract award in 2016 and final delivery by 2023.
This puts the squeeze on Embraer, which expects to certify the KC-390 in 2017 with first deliveries in 2018. “We don’t see any issue to comply with the delivery schedule,” the company says, while declining to reveal the quantity of aircraft offered.