Brazilian Air Force selects IAI for transport aircraft
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been selected by the Brazilian Air Force to execute a large-scale conversion project for several Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The new multi-mission planes will replace the 1960s-era KC-137s operated by the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Transportation Group and will have aeromedical evacuation capability.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been selected by the Brazilian Air Force to execute a large-scale conversion project for several Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The new multi-mission planes will replace the 1960s-era KC-137s operated by the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Transportation Group.
Joseph Weiss, president and chief executive officer of IAI, said: “We are very pleased to have won the bid to provide the Brazilian Air Force with multi-mission tanker and transport aircraft capable of performing air-to-air refuelling, strategic troop and cargo transport, and aeromedical evacuation. We see the Brazilian Air Force as a very important and strategic customer.” Several Brazilian industries will also be involved in the programme as subcontractors to IAI, said Weiss.
The KC-X2 Project, as the aircraft replacement process was known, was established by the Brazilian Air Force General Staff (EMAER) in 2008 and was conducted by the Combat Aircraft Programme Co-ordinating Committee (COPAC). The KC-137s being replaced entered service with the Air Force in 1986, and have seen use in a range of operational and humanitarian missions.
Photo: Library image of a 767-300ER / Adrian Pingstone