Aircraft
First Flight for Embraer KC-390 Airlifter
Flying qualities were as predicted during 1 hour 25 minute sortie.
The prototype KC-390 lifts off on its maiden flight. (Photo: Embraer)
The prototype KC-390 lifts off on its maiden flight. (Photo: Embraer)

Embraer made the first flight of the KC-390 airlifter on February 3. A crew of four flew the aircraft for 1 hour 25 minutes to evaluate flying qualities and performance. “The KC-390 behaved in a docile and predictable manner,” reported Mozart Louzada, test pilot and captain. The event took place about four weeks later than the manufacturer predicted when the KC-390 rolled out last October.