wpadmin 
By: Pierce Ryder
For the first time, the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB) has deployed the Embraer KC-390 Millennium equipped with the Modular Aerial Firefighting System II (MAFFS II) for active firefighting missions. Previously, the FAB had only conducted training missions with this configuration, showcasing the versatile capabilities of the KC-390.
The First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, operates these Embraer KC-390 jets. They were dispatched to Corumbá to combat fires ignited by illegal burning in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. The KC-390, outfitted with the MAFFS II system, features a substantial pressurized tank that disperses water and flame retardant through the aircraft’s left rear door, utilizing an 11,300-liter reservoir. This roll-on/roll-off system can be swiftly installed or removed from the aircraft’s cargo compartment without any permanent modifications and connects to the plane’s electrical power system once installed.
This new setup contrasts sharply with 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 boosting operational efficiency. Embraer highlights that these advancements not only ease the crew’s burden but also enhance mission effectiveness. The aircraft’s speed enables quicker transit times and the ability to project long-distance capacity for rapid fire containment.
The MAFFS system is a global leader in aerial firefighting, used by militaries worldwide. Supplied by United Aeronautical Corporation (UAC) based in Southern California, USA, the system is deployed in several countries, including Colombia, Tunisia, and Italy. It is compatible with various aircraft models, including the C-130, KC-390, C295, and the recently added Leonardo C-27J Firefighter.
