Embraer to modernise Brazilian Air Force's E-99 AEW&C fleet

Embraer Aviation International has been awarded a contract to modernise the Brazilian Air Force's (FAB) EMB-145 airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C), designated E-99, aircraft fleet.

Under the terms of the $114m contract, the company will primarily upgrade onboard mission sensors of five aircraft, as reported by Flight Global.

The latest award follows a contract signed between FAB and Mectron for development and delivery of the Link BR2 data link system for installation on the upgraded E-99 aircraft in December 2012.

As part of the contract, different versions of the data link system will also be integrated into the air force's Northrop Grumman-built F-5EM, Embraer/Aermacchi A-1M, as well as A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft by 2016, to provide soldiers with secure communications in theatre.

The E-99 modernisation is expected to include upgrades to the aircraft's electronic warfare and electronic support measures suites and command and control systems, as well its Saab Microwave Systems PS-890 Erieye surveillance radar system, but the air force has refused to disclose further details regarding the programme.

Powered by Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan engines, the EMB-145 AEW&C is a derivative of Embraer ERJ-145 regional jetliner, featuring reinforced airframe, new navigation and communication systems, as well as an enhanced auxiliary power unit and increased fuel capacity.

Primarily operated by FAB for environmental protection and natural resources survey, the five aircraft are also used for border surveillance from the Annapolis air force base, as part of the Amazon Surveillance System programme.

The aircraft is also used by the Hellenic, Indian and Mexican air forces.

Brazil criticizes the Rafale its high maintenance costs

Brazilians accuse the French fighter aircraft of high maintenance costs compared to its rivals, the Gripen (Saab) and F-18 (Boeing). This does not mean that the Rafale is out of play

"If Brazil had to select a fighter at the end of last year, the Rafale has not been selected," says a great connoisseur of Brazil "La Tribune". A perspective nonetheless. The fighter lights, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, has not escaped a commercial disaster. Simply because there was really more of an issue during a visit to Paris in December the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff. Unlike many press articles saying the opposite.

In November, Brasilia warned Paris of postponing its decision on the choice of the future combat aircraft to equip the Air Force as part of the tender F-X2, which was extended several times. "Brasilia will make its decision in a timely manner," stressed early November the Brazilian Defense Minister Celso Amorim, during a visit to Brasilia his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. Especially, Reuters revealed in late September that Brazil did not take a decision until mid-2013 on the renewal of its fleet of combat aircraft, a contract valued at least four billion (3 billion euros). Lack of money in the coffers. "We pushed choice (...) and it will take some time depending on the time it will take the Brazilian economy to recover", said Dilma Rousseff during a joint press conference with François Hollande. President of Brazil favors the defense equipment to protect the marine resources Brazilian oil has other priorities, including social.

The flashing orange

A blessing in disguise so. But the orange lights are for the Rafale. That does not mean it is not out of the game Far from it. But "the French offer must be better explained or otherwise improved," says one to the "Tribune." What's wrong with the French proposal? Maintenance costs and the cost per flight hour of jet lights are considered too high criticism in Brazil, especially in the Air Force ... However, where there are many supporters of the Rafale. "This is the most technologically advanced aircraft, this is the best, says one. We have many things to learn cooperation with Dassault Aviation." But compared to the Gripen, a single engine, the latest version does not exist but delusional advance costs per flight hour (4,500 euros), Brazilians believe that the maintenance cost of the Rafale remains high. "While the budget goes to maintenance," one hears in Brazil. As for the F/A-18 Hornet (Boeing), another rival for the Rafale, it benefits from euro / dollar rate to be competitive with the French aircraft.