Embraer concludes flight tests for firefighting capability for C-390

Embraer C-390 aircraft releases water during firefighting system certification tests.

Embraer announced on Monday that it has successfully completed the flight test of the certification campaign for the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II), which provides the C-390 Millennium with the required capability to perform firefighting missions. 

According to the company, the tests were carried out at the Embraer facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, in Brazil, and represent an important advancement in the certification campaign of this capacity by the Brazilian Military Certification Authority (IFI). After certification, the firefighting capability will be available to aircraft's operators.

As explained by Embraer, the MAFFS II is a firefighting system capable of deploying up to 3,000 gallons of water (approximately 11,300 liters), both with and without fire retardant, according to the standard ground cover level criteria and in various types of terrain. 

Designed to interface with the aircraft’s Cargo Handling System (CHS), the MAFFS II is rapidly installed on the cargo compartment of the airplane, using only its own trailer. The system requires only aircraft power to operate. 

The conclusion of these tests, which included several in-flight water-drop, proved the system's ability to integrate with the aircraft, and demonstrated excellent aspects of flight quality and maneuverability, which are extremely necessary for this type of operation at low speeds.

Images: Embraer