The fifth EMB 145 AEW&C aircraft, upgraded and designated as E-99M, has been delivered by Embraer to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The aircraft has been updated to perform Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) functions, as well as participate in intelligence, surveillance and airborne reconnaissance missions.
Developed utilising the platform established by the successful ERJ 145 regional jet, the FAB’s E-99 is capable of detecting, tracking and identifying targets in its coverage zone and transmit the information via data link. The aircraft conducts airspace surveillance, interception control and management, electronic intelligence and border monitoring missions.
The E-99M aircraft now features an updated Erieye Radar and Command & Control (C2) system and will also include a new Electronic Warfare (Non-Communication – NCOM) system, a new IFF Transponder, seven software-defined V/UHF radios, a new Mission Audio system with VoIP technology and a new Mission Audio and Data recorder, as well as a data-link function adapted to a new architecture. The interior of the aircraft has also seen an update to improve crew comfort and expand the operating capacity with five consoles redesigned and optimized for more efficient use of the upgraded systems.
The E-99M project is led by the Combat Aircraft Program Coordinating Committee (COPAC) together with Embraer and international suppliers such as SAAB, Aeroelectronica International (AELI), and Rohde & Schwarz. Atech, a subsidiary of Embraer, is participating in the project by developing part of the command-and-control system, as well as six mission planning and analysis stations which will provide training and development opportunities for the crews.
The EMB 145 AEW&C is also operated by the air forces of India, Mexico, and Greece. EMB 145 AEW&C aircraft
