Embraer announced on Monday that it has successfully completed flight tests for the certification campaign of its Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II). The system, which was developed for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, was tested in coordination with the Brazilian air force and Brazil’s military certification authority. Testing took place at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil.
“The tests … represent an important advancement in the certification campaign of this capacity by the Brazilian Military Certification Authority (IFI),” Embraer said. “The conclusion of these tests, which included several in-flight water-drop[s], proved the system’s ability to integrate with the aircraft, and demonstrated excellent aspects of flight quality and maneuverability, which are extremely necessary for this type of operation at low speeds.”
Embraer noted that MAFFS II was designed to interface with the aircraft’s Cargo Handling System (CHS) and can be “rapidly installed on the cargo compartment of the airplane, using only its own trailer.” The system is capable of deploying up to 3,000 gallons of water either with or without fire retardant. As previously reported by AVweb, the C-390 flew for the first time in 2015 and deliveries began in 2019.
Airbus doing the same with its 400M and the C series. Still have the problem that you have to land at an airport with a big pumps and large reservoirs for rotations which is why the Canadairs have a full order book and very high prices.
MAFF’s systems don’t work with heavier fuels because you can’t get enough retardant out fast enough to get the higher coverage levels. You need a proper belly door to get a good drop pattern.