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Embraer R-99 / E-99

2001 MODERN

History of the Embraer R-99 / E-99

The Embraer R-99 is a dedicated Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform based on the proven framework of the Brazilian Embraer airliner family ERJ145 is a spur built airplane. The airframe offers excellent performance and range, making it an ideal retrofit, with leading aircraft manufacturer Embraer developing a military-focused model for special missions.

The first flight of the prototype took place in 1999, and it entered service in 2001. Multiple iterations of the base design are already available, all based on the variants offered in the ERJ145 series.

The Brazilian Air Force remains one of the most prominent operators in the series - the service uses both R-99 (3) and E-99 (5) variants. The "E-99" designation was added in 2008 and now exists as "E-99M".

While the R-99 retains the general shape of the ERJ145 airliner, the design changes are noticeable: Suspended from the spine of the fuselage is a powerful rectangular radar assembly essential to the role of AEW&C. Small antenna protrusions are installed throughout the aircraft, including under each wing, extending along the ventral and dorsal fuselage lines, and on the horizontal stabilizers of the "T-shaped" tail assembly.

The engines, as more powerful versions were introduced, were mounted on short wings near the tail of the aircraft. The two crew members sit behind the nose cone in a typical side-by-side configuration, while specialists are located at workstations throughout the tubular fuselage.

The R-99A (EMB-145 AEW&C) aircraft carry the Saab (Ericsson) "ERIEYE" Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar System, which provides the excellent "Eye in the Sky" range required for this mission. R- The 99B ("E-99B" since 2008) variant has a multispectral scanner, synthetic aperture radar, and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) capabilities, also known as the EMB-145 "multi-Intel".

The proposed "P-99" (EMB-145MP - Maritime Patrol) is intended to be a dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant, evolved from the ERJ145MP ("Maritime Patrol") model and enhanced by the inclusion of four Underwing mount points are further differentiated (two per wing) for carrying air guns.

The Brazilian Air Force's five E-99 fleet will be upgraded to the E-99M standard with more modern equipment to increase mission capability. The Greek Air Force in Greece currently (2020) operates four EMD-145-H models equipped with ERIEYE radars, while the Mexican Air Force has one EMB-145-SA ("surveillance aircraft") and a pair of EMB-145-MP aircraft In stock.

The Indian Air Force is working to improve its own AEW&C inventory by modifying the EMB-145-I airframe, and local industry has played a large role in this effort.