The tests at the Embraer facility in Gavio Peixoto, So Paulo
State, Brazil, represent a significant step forward in the Brazilian Military
Certification Authority's (IFI) certification campaign for this capability. The
firefighting capability will be available to aircraft operators after
certification.
The MAFFS II is a firefighting system capable of deploying
up to 3,000 gallons of water (approximately 11,300 litres), both with and
without fire retardant, in various terrain and ground cover levels.
The MAFFS II, designed to interface with the aircraft's
Cargo Handling System (CHS), is quickly installed on the aeroplane's cargo
compartment using only its trailer. The system operates solely on aircraft
power.
The results of these tests, which included several in-flight
water-drop, demonstrated the system's ability to integrate with the aircraft
and excellent aspects of flight quality and manoeuvrability, both of which are
critical for this type of operation at low speeds.
The C-390 Millennium and its air-to-air refuelling
configuration, the KC-390, are a new generation of multi-mission military
transport aircraft that provide mobility and cargo capacity, rapid
re-configuration, and optimal management of reduced operational costs throughout
its life cycle, all in a single platform.