Embraer Military Airlifter KC-390 to fit Goodyear tyres

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a new aviation tyre supply deal, continuing its original equipment range expansion in the industry. Brazil-based Embraer Defense and Security has selected the tyre manufacturer to equip its KC-390 twin-engine, jet-powered military airlifter and tanker with Goodyear military aviation tyres.

The KC-390, which is in development, is the largest and heaviest aircraft ever built by Embraer, and will use eight main and two nose tyres. It represents Embraer’s entry into this segment of the military transport market. The platform’s launch customer, the Brazilian Air Force, is scheduled to start taking delivery of the KC-390 when the aircraft enters service at the end of 2015.

Both Goodyear and Embraer have a long history of supporting militaries around the world with their products, according to Bert Aertssen, general manager, global aviation, Goodyear: “Embraer is one of the world’s leading aerospace industry manufacturers and we are excited to continue our long-standing supply and service relationship with this outstanding organization. Embraer is a very important customer and we look forward to outfitting the KC-390 with our industry-leading tyres.”

“We decided to equip the KC-390 with Goodyear tyres for a number of reasons, including our confidence in the products’ overall quality and performance, and Goodyear’s stellar aftermarket support capabilities,” said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, vice president operations and COO, Embraer Defense and Security. “Goodyear has been a trusted, valuable supplier to Embraer for decades, and we are excited to equip another Embraer model with its world-class products.”