The Embraer KC-390 protoype involved in a stall speed incident on 12 October has not been significantly damaged and is set to return to flight testing following minor repairs.
The Brazilian airframer says in a statement provided to FlightGlobal that the aircraft, 001, “experienced an event beyond the planned limit” during a simulated icing test, which took the aircraft beyond its airspeed and load factor operating limitations.
That forced the crew to apply recovery procedures, and the aircraft returned to Embraer’s test base at Gavião Peixoto. It has not flown for more than a month since the incident.
Embraer now says that a detailed inspection of the aircraft showed that there was no damage to the primary aircraft structure, although some external fairings and access hatches will be replaced before the aircraft can resume flight testing.
“The Embraer KC-390 certification schedule is not affected and entry into service is confirmed for 2018 with the delivery of the first production aircraft to the Brazilian air force,” Embraer adds.
Based on the last announced schedule, the first two of 28 KC-390s on order for the Brazilian air force are expected to be delivered next year, another two in 2019 and three annually in subsequent years.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that there are 30 firm orders for the KC-390 and letters of intent for a further 32 from seven nations, including Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Portugal.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
