By: Jordan Hayes
The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB) has deployed the Embraer KC-390 Millennium for firefighting missions equipped with the Modular Aerial Firefighting System II (MAFFS II) for the first time. Previously, the FAB had only conducted training missions using this configuration, which is one of the many roles the versatile KC-390 can fulfill.
Operated by the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, the Embraer KC-390 jets were dispatched to Corumbá to combat fires caused by illegal burning in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland.
The KC-390, equipped with the MAFFS II system, features a massive pressurized tank that disperses water and flame retardant through the plane’s left rear door, utilizing an 11,300-liter reservoir. This roll-on/roll-off system can be quickly installed or removed from the aircraft’s cargo compartment without any permanent modifications. Once installed, it connects to the aircraft’s electrical power system.
This new setup significantly differs from the now-retired C-130 Hercules, which required the rear door/ramp to remain open during missions. The MAFFS II system allows the KC-390’s interior to stay pressurized, reducing crew workload and enhancing operational efficiency. Embraer emphasizes that these advancements not only ease the crew’s burden but also improve mission efficiency. The aircraft’s speed ensures quicker transit times and the ability to project long-distance capacity for rapid fire containment.
The MAFFS system is a leader in aerial firefighting, utilized by militaries worldwide. Provided by United Aeronautical Corporation (UAC) based in Southern California, USA, the system is used in several countries, including Colombia, Tunisia, and Italy. It is compatible with various aircraft, including the C-130, KC-390, C295, and the recently added Leonardo C-27J Firefighter.
