Embraer Completes Certification Tests for Fire-fighting C-390

Military certification of fire-fighting equipment will add another capability to the multi-role medium airlifter.

The MAFFS II fire-fighting equipment ejects water through a nozzle in the port door. (Photo: Embraer)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

September 8, 2022

Embraer has completed the required test campaign for certification of the C-390 Millennium multi-role tanker/transport aircraft in the fire-fighting role. The manufacturer is awaiting approval from the Industrial Fostering and Coordination Institute (IFI)—Brazil’s military certification authority. Once the certification has been issued, the capability will be available to C/KC-390 operators.

For the fire-fighting role, the C-390 employs the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) II, which can drop up to 2,985 U.S. gallons (11,300 liters) of plain or retardant-treated water. Developed by Aero Union as an improvement on the original system, MAFFS II is a five-tank, roll-on/roll-off system that can be installed in the C-390’s cargo hold using its own trailer. The water is discharged through a door-mounted nozzle that is fitted in the port aft fuselage paratroop doorway. The system is self-contained and requires only a connection to the aircraft’s power supply for operation. MAFFS II is in widespread use, notably with the C-130s of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.