Among the benefits is an increase in the operability and flight range of the F-5M fighter jet
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Larissa Paulo
The sixth edition of EXCON Escudo-Tínia 2023 represented an important milestone for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in terms of training its personnel in multidomain operations, which integrates air, land, sea, space and cyber powers.
In this context, it is essential to highlight the improvement and modernization used in training, such as the in-flight refueling (IFR) actions carried out this year by the KC-390 Millennium for the F-5M fighters. In previous editions, the actions were carried out by the C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Among the benefits of IFR in the Operation are the expansion of the F-5 fighter’s operability and the increase in its flight range. The refueling aircraft boosted the capacity of the F-5M fighters to carry out the missions, especially the so-called COMAO (Composite Air Operation).
“The KC-390 has already consolidated its operation as a refueling aircraft very well. And in the Tinian Shield 2023 we carried out several missions, regularly with receiving aircraft, which allows us to increase the flight autonomy of these aircraft and improve the possibility of combat training. For us, from the Zeus Squadron, which operates this aircraft, the actions in the Exercise contributed to greater knowledge about the system, safety and improving tactics and techniques of use,” explained Major Anderson Dias Santiago, from the First Fleet Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, which operates the KC-390 Millennium.
Aircraft Captain Bruno Iha, from the First Squadron of the Fourteenth Aviation Group (1º/14º GAV) – Fleet, emphasized the important role of IFR in EXCON. “One of the missions being trained this year at Escudo-Tínia is that of the extended vultime, which is a maneuver that takes longer than usual, in which we go into combat, refuel in flight and return. This happens successively for as long as necessary. As a result, we’ve been able to carry out more extensive training and we’ve practically doubled our stay compared to before. This achievement is the result of the presence of the KC-390, which is an excellent aircraft for this type of exercise, as it makes it possible to refuel at higher altitudes and higher speeds. This transition, in which the KC-390 took over the role of refueling aircraft from the C-130 Hercules, made it easier for fighter aircraft, such as the F-5M, to operate,” he said.
Aviator Captain André Vianna Vasconcelos Justo, from the First Fighter Aviation Group (1º GAvCa) – Fleet, reinforced the relevant aspects of the IFR actions at EXCON. “In-flight refueling of the F-5M with the KC-390 allows the fighter to stay in combat much longer. This maneuver makes it possible for the aircraft to take turns: while one remains in the combat arena, the other refuels and then returns. This is because the KC-390’s capacity and performance allow REVO to be carried out at higher flight profiles than the F-5, i.e. higher levels and speeds. This performance makes better use of the fuel, resulting in greater autonomy and greater vultime,” he concluded.
Note: The FAB uses the term REVO for IFR (in-flight refueling), because in Portuguese it is the acronym for Reabastecimento em Voo (Refueling in Flight).
Performance of the KC-390 Millennium
In EXCON Shield-Tinia 2023, the KC-390 will operate on three fronts: Aerial Assault, which consists of launching paratroopers into specific areas in coordination with the Brazilian Army (EB); Aerial Resupply, by launching cargo; and In-Flight Refueling, the transfer of fuel to receiving aircraft, which allows fighter aircraft greater autonomy for combat in conflict zones.
Photos: Sergeants Muller Marin and P. Silva / CECOMSAER *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***