Cobham has been awarded a contract by Embraer Defense and Security worth some $30 million, to develop and supply the Auxiliary Fuselage Fuel Tank (AFFT) for the KC-390 tanker aircraft.

Cobham's AFFT will enable the aircraft's core mission capabilities, including increased range for search and rescue operations and maximised fuel offload for air-to-air refuelling. The Brazilian Air Force is the launch customer for the KC-390, which is scheduled to enter service in 2015. Embraer expects to secure significant additional orders for the KC-390 from export customers.

Selection by Embraer follows a comprehensive competitive process and reflects Cobham's unrivalled experience in the design, development and delivery of aircraft fuel tank systems. Cobham has delivered more than one million tanks of all kinds to customers around the world and will supply Embraer with a state-of-the-art tank system optimised for weight, while still providing for quick removal and re-installation.

Following the selection announcement, Iain Gibson, vice president of Cobham Mission Equipment said: "Cobham is delighted with its selection by Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to supply the Auxiliary Fuselage Fuel Tank for the KC-390. This award consolidates our position on the aircraft, building on the earlier selection of our wing aerial refuelling pods, nose radome and aerial refuelling probe."

In 2011, Embraer awarded Cobham a contract in excess of US$60 million to develop and supply the KC-390 programme with Wing Aerial Refuelling Pods. Cobham has also been selected to provide the aircraft with aerial refuelling probes and to design and manufacture the aircraft's nose radomes.