Recently Embraer released a video showing A-29 Super Tucano, KC-390 Millennium, Praetor and E175-E2 aircraft flying in formation. However, an interesting detail can be noticed in the images: the EO/IR (Electro-Optics/Infrared) pod on the side of the KC-390 multimission freighter.
Questioned, the manufacturer did not specify the model of the equipment, however, it is probably a Rafael Litening, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, from Israel.
The pod is normally used in fighter planes (installed on the outside of the aircraft) and generates TV or infrared (FLIR) images for identification and tracking of possible targets, in addition to having a bomb laser guide.
The equipment can be used both during the day and at night, in addition to being able to follow moving targets as well.
The device is already used by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in its A-1 AMX fighter-bombers in its Litening III variant, performing the aim for Lizard bombs, guided by laser (equivalent to the American Paveway bombs).
FAB A-1s can also use Reccelite, a reconnaissance version of Litening. At FAB, tactical reconnaissance missions with fighter and attack aircraft are conducted by Esquadrão Poker (1º/10º GAv), headquartered in Wing 4, in Santa Maria (RS).
To equip the new F-39E/F Gripen, the Air Force acquired the Litening G4 and Reccelite XR, newer versions of the pods already in use.
In addition to FAB, several countries use Litening. Among them are Italy, United Kingdom, United States, Israel, Sweden, India and .
But back to the pod on the KC-390.
Although its use is much more common in fighter aviation aircraft, the pod is also a great “accessory” to Embraer's multi-mission freighter.
In response, the manufacturer explained the use of the equipment on the KC-390:
"The C-390 Millennium can be equipped with an EO/IR (Electro-Optics/Infrared) Pod for Search and Rescue, Surveillance and Maritime Patrol missions.
The equipment has high-resolution cameras, with infrared spectrum capability, with the objective of improving the identification and visualization capacity. Captured images and videos can be recorded for further evaluation and analysis.
There are also complementary applications, with the use of lasers, for acquiring coordinates, marking and designating targets.”
Embraer's response further reinforces the characteristics of the KC-390. At the moment, the model, which is in active service with the FAB and has already been acquired by Portugal and Hungary, has carried out logistical transport missions, especially within the scope of Operation Covid-19.
Soon the aircraft should be carrying out in-flight refueling (REVO) missions operationally.
In 2019, Embraer carried out a series of test flights with the KC-390 in Rio Grande do Sul, with launches of countermeasures and REVO with F-5M Tiger II fighters and A-1 AMX fighter-bombers.
The images of the pod on the KC-390 are new, however, its use on the aircraft was already expected.
Years ago, the manufacturer released a computer-generated image showing the aircraft in search and rescue (SAR) configuration with a pod mounted at the same point as the aircraft.
In 2018, Air Brigadier Major Mário Luís da Silva Jordão stated that the Litening pod itself would be incorporated into the plane.
With the instrument, the aircraft can integrate even more with other aviation, mainly maritime patrol, reconnaissance and rotary wings.
On a hypothetical SAR mission, for example, the KC-390 could quickly visualize and identify a potential victim. In this way, the aircraft can launch rescue materials with high precision. With the coordinates and images obtained, the rescue is quite streamlined.
But, of course, that is for the future. Embraer, together with the Brazilian Air Force, continues to develop the capabilities of the KC-390 Millennium.
