Faced with intense conflicts between Israeli forces and jihadists from the Islamic group Hamas, the Brazilian government deployed the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) for a repatriation mission in the Middle East. According to Itamaraty, there are 14 thousand Brazilians in Israel and 6 thousand in Palestine, who will be able to return to Brazil on FAB planes if they wish.
Observing conditions in Israel, the Air Force Command was on alert. With the order of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, the FAB highlighted six large aircraft of three different models: two Embraer VC-2, two Embraer KC-390 and two more Airbus KC-30. One of the Airbuses is expected to take off late Sunday afternoon (08), bound for Italy. From there the aircraft leaves for Tel Aviv when the list of repatriates is ready.
Find out more about the planes deployed to rescue Brazilians in Israel.
Airbus KC-30 – largest plane in the fleet
In service since 2021, the two Airbus KC-30 (A330-200) came to replace the old Boeing KC-137, popularly known as scrap. At 59 meters long and capable of carrying 238 engers, 45 tons of cargo and a range of 14,5 kilometers, they are the largest planes ever used in the Air Force. They are operated by the Corsário Squadron from Galeão Air Base (RJ).
Manufactured in 2014, the jets were purchased second-hand from the airline Azul under the KC-X3 program, costing US$80 million. Currently they are only used to transport engers, but the FAB wants to convert the planes to the MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) standard, adapting them for in-flight refueling, cargo transport and aeromedical evacuation missions. For this, a contract with Airbus should be signed by the end of this year.
Aircraft details
- Wingspan: 60,3 meters
- Length: 59 meters
- Reach: 14,5 thousand kilometers
- Engines: 2x Rolls-Royce Trent 772, with 71 thousand pounds of thrust
- Capacity: 238 engers and 45 tons of cargo
- Amount: 2
Embraer KC-390 Millennium – Tactical freighter
Operated by the FAB since 2019, the KC-390 Millennium is the largest military aircraft designed in the country, capable of carrying up to 26 tons. The model manufactured by Embraer aims to replace the veteran C-130 Hércules, which in Brazil are expected to be retired by 2024. Six aircraft (of the 19 ordered by the FAB) are already operating with the Zeus and Gordo squadrons at the bases in Anápolis (GO) and Galeão .
The model is multi-mission: in addition to transporting soldiers and vehicles, it can carry out in-flight refueling, aeromedical evacuation, firefighting, search and rescue and other activities. In addition to Brazil, the KC-390 was also purchased by Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands and Austria and has attracted attention from countries such as India, Sweden and United Arab Emirates. The aircraft promises to be another sales success for Embraer.
Aircraft details
- Wingspan: 35,2 meters
- Length: 35,5 meters
- Reach: 5000 thousand kilometers with 14 tons of cargo
- Engines: 2x IAE V2500-E5, with 31,3 pounds of thrust
- Capacity: 26 tons of cargo; 80 soldiers; 64 paratroopers
- Amount: 6
Embraer VC-2 – Presidential jet
Completing the jets deployed to rescue Brazilians in Israel are the Embraer 190 in its VIP version, designated VC-2. Acquired in 2008 for R$211 million to replace the old VC-96 (737-200), called “Breguinha”, they are part of the Brazilian presidential fleet. Therefore, they are operated by the 1st Squadron of the Special Transport Group (GTE), at Brasília Air Base.
For the mission, the aircraft received adaptations, such as radios for secure and satellite communication, datalink, presidential cabin with private toilet, meeting table, rest area and others. The jets were named Bartolomeu de Gusmão and Augusto Severo. In addition to transporting the president of the republic and state ministers, VC-2s are also used in activities to presidential travel, such as precursor missions. In 2020, FAB used the same planes to repatriate Brazilians who were in China amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aircraft details
- Wingspan: 28,7 meters
- Length: 38,6 meters
- Reach: 5300 thousand kilometers
- Engines: 2x General Electric CF34-10E, with 20 thousand pounds of thrust
- Capacity: 46 engers and eight crew.
- Amount: 6
