Unsolicited bid involves converting three ex-Transbrasil aircraft to meet air force's refuelling requirement
Varig Engineering and Mainten-ance (VEM) is putting together an unsolicited proposal for the Brazilian air force's KC-X tanker/transport requirement after completing the conversion of Tampa Cargo's fourth Boeing 767-200SF.
"We're ready to talk and there is a need to replace the [Brazilian air force's] 707s, and this is the most appropriate replacement," says VEM chief executive Evandro de Oliveira.
Although the proposal is not yet fully defined, one possibility is the conversion of three 767-200s stored in Brasília that belonged to Transbrasil, a local airline that ceased operations in December 2001.
Work on the Transbrasil Boeing 767-200s would include replacement of their General Electric CF6-80A powerplants to satisfy the Brazilian air force's range requirements.
Launched in 1999, the KC-X programme originally envisaged the acquisition of a single aircraft type to replace the Brazilian air force's two 737-200 VIP transports and four 707-320/345C tanker/transport aircraft – the latter locally designated as the KC-137.
With a tentative budget of $310 million, a request for information issued to several parties had focused on the Airbus A310 and 767 as potential platforms.
Brazil had preferred an acquisition of used aircraft, with companies such as Lufthansa Technik and Israel Aircraft Industries considered as potential conversion centres.
However, budgetary constraints and the recent acquisition of an A319CJ for presidential transport duties led to the KC-X requirements being redefined.
A lack of funds has spurred the Brazilian air force to explore re-engining alternatives to prolong the Boeing KC-137's service life.
The country's growing commitments abroad, including the Brazilian-led United Nations peacekeeping force in Haiti, should see the KC-X become a high priority next year.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE/PORTO ALEGRE
Source: Flight International
