Brazilian Air Force deploys KC-390 aircraft to fight Amazon fires

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has intensified its efforts to combat forest fires in Amazonas using KC-390 Millennium aircraft. These planes are equipped with specialized systems to drop large volumes of water on affected areas.

Two primary technologies are being utilized: the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) and the Containerized Aerial Fire Fighting System (CAFFS). The MAFFS system uses pressure to release approximately 12,000 liters of water in about seven seconds during low-altitude flights. Alternatively, the CAFFS system deploys biodegradable containers, each holding about 1,000 liters, allowing the aircraft to drop up to 19,000 liters per operation.

The operation is supported by Aegea, which has provided over 270,000 liters of water to supply FAB and Ibama aircraft. In Manaus, the capital of Amazonas, smoke from the fires has resulted in moderate air quality levels.