Embraer and TAI Sign MoU for Maintenance of C-390 Millennium and ERJ 135/ERJ 145 Transport Aircraft.

Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd (TAI) and Embraer Defense & Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening commercial cooperation between the two entities. This agreement, signed in Brazil by Air Chief Marshal Phibun Worawanpreecha, Managing Director of TAI, marks a crucial step in developing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for transport aircraft manufactured by Embraer.
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Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft (Picture source: Embraer)

The agreement specifically covers the C-390 Millennium and ERJ 135/ERJ 145 aircraft and aims to establish an MRO center in Thailand. This initiative promises to enhance local technical skills and support the Thai aviation industry by providing advanced maintenance services for these aircraft.

In May 2024, a delegation from Embraer Defense & Security visited TAI facilities at Wing 4 Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. This visit followed the signing of the MoU and demonstrates Embraer's interest in the Thai market.

Several Thai government agencies already use aircraft manufactured by Embraer, including the Royal Thai Army's ERJ 135 LR general aviation aircraft and the Royal Thai Navy's ERJ 135 LR transport aircraft from Squadron 201, Wing 2. The establishment of an MRO center in Thailand is expected to enhance logistical and technical support for these aircraft, while also fostering the development of the local aviation industry.

Despite these positive developments, the 2024 White Paper of the Royal Thai Air Force does not mention any project to acquire new transport aircraft to replace the aging C-130H. Instead, there is an ongoing project to enhance the capabilities of the C-130H under Phase 3 of its modernization program. This suggests that there will likely be no new transport aircraft acquisition in the near future.

Nevertheless, this agreement between TAI and Embraer represents a new step for the Thai aviation industry, paving the way for increased cooperation and future economic opportunities.

The Embraer KC-390, also known as the C-390 Millennium, is a versatile aircraft designed by the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. It was first showcased in 2018 at the Farnborough Airshow. This aircraft is primarily used for military transport and can also serve as a refueling plane. It requires a crew of two and made its first flight on February 3, 2015, officially entering service on September 3, 2019, although it was initially planned to be launched in 2016.

The KC-390 is a robust and spacious aircraft, measuring 33.91 meters in length, with a wingspan of 35.05 meters, and a height of 10.26 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 72 tons, and it can carry up to 23.6 tons of cargo. The aircraft is powered by two IAE V2500 turbofan engines, each providing a thrust of 138 kilonewtons, allowing for a maximum cruising speed of 850 km/h (Mach 0.8). It can travel a distance of 2,780 km with a full load and up to 6,200 km when empty. The KC-390 can reach a flight ceiling of 11,000 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of military and humanitarian missions.

The ERJ-135 is a twin-engine regional transport aircraft with swept wings and a T-tail. Its engines are located at the rear of the fuselage, just like those of the ERJ-145, with which it shares 95% of its parts. The semi-monocoque fuselage makes extensive use of composite materials and is designed for a 60,000-flight cycle. The aircraft requires a distance of 1,770 meters for takeoff and 1,360 meters for landing.

The flight controls are traditional, assisted by hydraulic servos for the ailerons and rudder, and mechanically actuated for the elevator. The aircraft is also equipped with air brakes and double-slotted flaps. The landing gear is produced by EDE/Liebherr, while the brakes and wheels are developed by Goodrich.

The cockpit avionics are based on the Honeywell Primus 1000 system, featuring five cathode-ray tube screens managed by a dual computer. These screens include two primary flight data displays (one for each pilot), two multifunction displays, and one engine data and alert display. The avionics also include Honeywell Primus II radio-navigation equipment, a collision avoidance radar, a ground proximity warning system, and a Primus 1000 weather radar.

The cabin can accommodate 37 passengers in a 2+1 seating configuration across three seats per row, in a single class. Access is through the front door, which features an integrated stairway. Two emergency exits are provided on each side of the fuselage at the wing level. The cabin is 2.10 meters wide and 1.82 meters high. The ERJ-135 can carry a baggage volume of 9.20 cubic meters or 1,000 kg.

Embraer ERJ 135/ERJ 145 Transport Aircraft (Picture source: Embraer)