By ANDREW CHUTER, FARNBOROUGH, UK – The Brazilian air force says it is to purchase an initial batch of 28 KC-390 airlifters from the machine’s developer, Embraer.

KC-390 concept (Embraer illustration)

A letter of intent has been signed by the air force with the expectation that the first of the tactical aircraft will be delivered in 2016.

Embraer president and chief executive Frederico Fleury Curado said he expected the contract to be firmed up within the next three years.

The aircraft will replace the Brazilian air force’s C-130 Hercules fleet.

The twin-turbofan KC-390 recently passed a preliminary design phase that increase its payload by 4.6 tons to 23.6 tons.

The Brazilian aircraft builder is currently talking with potential industrial and international program partners.