PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
EMB-145 variant likely to be platform for revised offer in US Army competition
Embraer is expected to join the Lockheed Martin-led team bidding for the US Army's Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) programme, offering a variant of its EMB-145 series regional jet as the preferred platform. This follows the Brazilian manufacturer's decision to open a local US aircraft production facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
Lockheed Martin's Denver-based Space division is already teamed with Argon, Harris L-3 Communications and Veridian Engineering, but has not revealed its choice of ACS platform.
The US Army has specified performance requirements but not platforms. Lockheed Martin was believed previously to be looking at the Raytheon Hawker 800XP, while the rival Northrop Grumman team opted for the Gulfstream 450.
Embraer is tight-lipped about its plans for the former NAS Cecil Field and the programmes it is chasing. "Embraer has been actively pursuing US defence and homeland security market opportunities that have requirements for advanced reliable and affordable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance [ISR] systems," says Mauricio Botelho, Embraer president and chief executive.
Industry sources say Embraer's primary focus is ACS, which could stretch to 45 aircraft. Late last year, the US Army updated its ACS requirement to include four onboard operator stations rather than rely on ground-based analysis. The two teams are now looking at platforms bigger than mid-size business jets, with Northrop Grumman believed to be focusing on the Gulfstream 500/550.
The army also raised the ACS operating ceiling specification to 45,000ft (13,725m), but has said it will accept a lower height if necessary. The EMB-145 has been demonstrated at this altitude, but normally operates at about 39,000ft. An ACS adaptation is likely to use structural and aerodynamic modifications incorporated into the airborne early warning and ground remote-sensing versions of the EMB-145 developed for Brazil's SIVAM Amazon surveillance programme and international sales.
ACS is intended to replace the army's de Havilland RC-7B Airborne Reconnaissance Low and Beech RC-12 Guardrails.
Source: Flight International
