Overview
- Saab, Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force validated hose-and-drogue fuel transfers and stable handling across the KC-390’s full refueling envelope, including high-speed day and night operations.
- Operation Samaúma was conducted at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto test center under DCTA coordination with roughly 40 engineers and test pilots from the three partners.
- The campaign qualified the F-39 Gripen E as a receiver and confirmed the KC-390 can support the fighter’s operational tempo.
- The Swedish Military Aviation Authority will assess the data for Gripen certification, and Brazil’s IFI will conduct national airworthiness work for the FAB.
- Executives cited extended fighter reach, rapid KC-390 conversion from transport to tanker within hours, and a stronger Embraer–Saab export case, building on earlier forward arming and refueling point trials.