FAB performs first landing at high altitude airfield with KC-390FAB performs first landing at high altitude airfield with KC-390

The landing took place during Exercise Cooperación IX, being held from May 8 to 19, in Peru

The First Troop Transport Group (1º GTT) – Zeus Squadron – has landed for the first time in the history of the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) KC-390 Millennium, at a high altitude airfield, in the city of Jauja, Peru. The landing was made during Exercise Cooperación IX, on May 11, at 11,034 feet, which corresponds to an altitude of more than 3,300 meters. The exercise is being coordinated by the Air Force of Peru (FAP), bringing together, from 08 to May 19, the U.S. Air Forces of 12 countries, in order to train the integration in scenarios of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

The Commander of the 1st GTT, Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Bruno Américo Pereira, explained that the landing at the Francisco Carle airport was an important milestone for the FAB, because the airfield is strategic for military operations due to the mountainous scenery due to its proximity to the Andes.

“The city of Jauja is located in a valley high up in the Andes, which is why air operations there require extreme caution and planning. The elevations that border the city, the rarefied air caused by the high elevation of the airfield, as well as the absence of aids to air navigation in the area, demand a careful analysis of the aircraft’s performance capabilities, and the experience of its crew members was fundamental”, he said.

For the success of the mission, it was necessary a great interaction with the FAP military, who conducted an overflight, the day before the landing, to get acquainted with the location. Performance and meteorological evaluations were also carried out to make available the maximum cargo and passenger capacity to be transported in support of operations in the areas affected by the disasters mentioned.

The flight was also attended by military personnel from the Air Force Staff (EMAER), as well as members of the Permanent Secretariat of the Cooperation System among American Air Forces (SICOFAA).

The Commander of the aircraft, Major Airman Anderson Dias Santiago, spoke about the capabilities of the KC-390 Millennium aircraft. “The importance of demonstrating yet another capability of the KC-390 aircraft can be seen, reaffirming its vocation to act in the most diverse scenarios in which it is demanded,” he highlighted.

Challenges

One of the main challenges faced by aircraft at high altitudes are the consequences arising from the reduction of air density, which can affect engine power, approach speeds and the braking ability of the aircraft, requiring a refined technique from the pilots. The operation of aircraft on high altitude runways is a challenge for pilots, maintenance crews and aeronautical engineers.

By admin