View source for Embraer R-99

{{short description|Airborne early warning and reconnaissance aircraft based on the ERJ-145}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = E-99/P-99/R-99<!--please avoid stating manufacturer in this field; it's stated two lines below -->
| image = R99_-_RIAT_2007_(2370466415).jpg<!--in the ''File:filename'' format, no image tags-->
| caption = [[Brazilian Air Force]] E-99<!--image caption; if it isn't descriptive it should be left blank-->
| type = [[Airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) (E-99)<br />[[Remote sensing]] (R-99)<br />[[Maritime patrol]] (P-99)
| national_origin = [[Brazil]]
| manufacturer = [[Embraer]]
| designer = <!--only appropriate for single designers, not project leaders-->
| first_flight = 1999<!--if it hasn't happened, leave it out!-->
| introduction = 2001
| retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
| status = Active in service<!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly-->
| primary_user = [[Brazilian Air Force]] (E-99M/R-99)<!--please list only one, and don't use those tiny flags as they limit horizontal space-->
| more_users = [[Hellenic Air Force]] (R-99A) <br />[[Mexican Air Force]] (R-99A/P-99) <br />[[Indian Air Force]] ([[DRDO AEW&CS|Netra AEW&CS]])<!--limited to three "more users" total. please separate with <br />-->
| produced = 1999–present<!--years in production, e.g. 1970–1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
| number_built = 6 (EMB-145-SA) <br />3 (EMB-145-RS) <br />2 (EMB-145-MP) <br />4 (EMB-145-H) <br />3 (EMB-145-I)
| developed_from = [[Embraer ERJ 145 family|Embraer ERJ-145]]<!-- the aircraft which formed the basis for the topic type -->
| developed_into = 
}}

The '''Embraer R-99''' is the [[Brazilian Air Force]] (FAB) military designation of the EMB-145-RS. Various models of the aircraft have been produced to perform special mission duties, including the E99 for [[airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) missions, the R-99 for [[remote sensing]], and the P-99 for [[maritime patrol]].

Development of the R-99 began during the 1990s in response to a FAB requirement for an [[airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) platform, as well for the export market. The airframe is based on the [[Embraer ERJ 145 family|ERJ 145]] civil [[regional jet]] and modified with specialised mission equipment based on the mission role desired. It is typically powered by a pair of [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]] [[Rolls-Royce AE 3007|AE1 3007]] turbofan engines; the military versions provide 20% more thrust than the civil version.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://aircrafttotaal.nl/embraer-aew-145.html |title = Embraer AEW 145 |access-date = 1 February 2020 |archive-date = 1 February 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200201183004/https://aircrafttotaal.nl/embraer-aew-145.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> The [[maiden flight]] of the R-99 took place in 1999; it entered operational service with the FAB two years later. 

Export customers for the type include the [[Hellenic Air Force]], [[Mexican Air Force]], and the [[Indian Air Force]]. Some customers have opted to buy the airframe and separately outfit it with their own electronics packages. It has been deployed in response to various events, including the [[Shining Path]] hostage crisis, the loss of [[Air France Flight 447]], the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]], and the [[Amazon Surveillance System|SIVAM]] program. During the 2010s, the FAB opted to modernise their R-99 fleet, not only extending its service life but also giving it new capabilities, such as a longer effective radar range and [[datalink]] facilities. Embraer has proposed new variants of the type, such as the armed ''P-99'' [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), which is to be capable of using both [[torpedo]]es and [[anti-ship missile]]s.

== Variants ==

The ''R-99A/E-99/EMB 145 AEW&C'' is an [[airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) aircraft, equipped with the [[Erieye]] [[active electronically scanned array]] [[radar]] from [[Saab Microwave Systems]]. During the aircraft's development, particular attention was paid to market interest as well the specific requirements of the [[Brazilian Air Force]] (FAB).<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/embraer-to-roll-out-aircraft-for-amazon-surveillance/26115.article |title = Embraer to roll out aircraft for Amazon surveillance |date = 5 May 1999 |first = Paul |last = Lewis}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/embraer-sees-aew-and-c-market-potential/30964.article |title = Embraer sees AEW & C market potential |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Alan |last = Dron |date = 25 February 2000}}</ref> The FAB have claimed that R-99 has 95% of the capability of larger AEW&C aircraft which are in service in the air forces of other nations.{{CN|date=July 2023}} During 2008, the FAB redesignated the R-99A as the E-99, the factory name for the Embraer EMB-145SA (Surveillance Aircraft), a special military conversion of the passenger version of the Embraer ERJ-145LR.

The ''R-99B/R-99/EMB 145 MULTI INTEL'' is a [[remote sensing]] aircraft. It employs a [[synthetic aperture radar]], combination electro-optical and [[FLIR]] systems as well as a multi-spectral scanner. The aircraft also possesses signal intelligence and C3I capabilities. During 2008, the FAB redesignated the R-99B as the R-99, for the Embraer EMB-145RS (Remote Sensing), a special military conversion of the passenger version of the Embraer ERJ-145LR.

The ''EMB 145 MP'' is the maritime patrol version of the EMB-145. It shares much of the same sensor suite as the R-99B, but most visibly, lacks the multi-spectral scanner and the side-looking radar. It retains many of the [[C4ISTAR|C3I]] and [[ELINT]] capabilities of the EMB-145-RS.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/embraer-to-develop-armed-rj-145-jet/28498.article |title = Embraer to develop armed RJ-145 jet |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 15 September 1999 |first = Paul |last = Lewis}}</ref> [[Mexico]] was the launch customer for this variant.<ref name = "mexico official2001"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/mexico-looks-to-embraer-to-fill-aew-order/31530.article |title = Mexico looks to Embraer to fill AEW order |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 4 April 2000}}</ref>

The ''P-99'' would be the [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) modification of the ''EMB 145 MP'' and would have four underwing [[hardpoint]]s, which could be mounted with a variety of [[torpedo]]es and/or [[anti-ship missile]]s. No prototype with those modifications was ever flown.

During June 2019, it was announced that Embraer had partnered with the [[Israel]]i defense electronics company [[Elta Systems]] to develop the ''P600 AEW'', which will be initially based on the [[Embraer Praetor 600]] super-midsize business jet.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/business-aviation/paris-embraer-and-elta-team-on-p600-aew-aircraft/133164.article |title = PARIS: Embraer and Elta team on P600 AEW aircraft |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Dominic |last = Perry |date = 18 June 2019}}</ref> In December 2020, an Embraer spokesperson stated that the P600 AEW system is likely to eventually replace the E-99 AEW; however, the Brazilian Air Force has currently committed itself to the moderization of its existing E-99 fleet, thus it is likely that the E-99M will be in service for a long time, while there were no orders placed for the P600.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.aviacionline.com/2020/12/embraer-iai-elta-praetor-p600-aew-large-capacities-in-a-small-package/ |title = Embraer / IAI-Elta Praetor P600 AEW: large capacities in a small package |date = 14 December 2020 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20210905211836/https://www.aviacionline.com/2020/12/embraer-iai-elta-praetor-p600-aew-large-capacities-in-a-small-package/ |archive-date = 5 September 2021 |url-status = live |access-date = 6 September 2021 }}</ref>

== Operational history ==
[[File:DRDO AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145.JPG|thumb|[[Indian Air Force]]  Embraer ERJ 145 with [[DRDO AEW&CS]]]]
During September 2003, a Brazilian R-99 was deployed on request of [[Peru]]vian authorities to locate the site where 71 hostages were being kept by the armed group [[Shining Path]]. The aircraft detected the origin of [[VHF]] signals, and thus aided the Peruvian authorities in the recovery of the hostages.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/brasil/fc2109200326.htm |title = Jato da FAB ajuda a libertar reféns no Peru |author = Folha de S. Paulo |date = 21 September 2003 |access-date = 7 November 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.fab.mil.br/noticias/imprime/22972/ |title = Esquadrão responsável pela vigilância da Amazônia completa 40 mil horas de voo |date = 17 September 2015 |access-date = 7 November 2021 }}</ref>

On 1 June 2009, a R-99 was deployed on the search for the missing [[Air France Flight 447]]. The fact is reported as the first real mission of a Brazilian R-99 on maritime search. The R-99 synthetic-aperture radar allowed to locate — even at night and under bad weather conditions — aircraft's debris and victims bodies 800&nbsp;km away from [[Fernando de Noronha]] Archipelago. Various pieces of debris from the lost [[Airbus A330-200]], the largest being the [[empennage]] and a [[galley (kitchen)|galley]], were located by the R-99.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://marte.sid.inpe.br/col/dpi.inpe.br/marte/2011/06.27.19.58/doc/p0136.pdf |title = Utilização do Radar de Abertura Sintética da aeronave R-99 na busca marítima dos destroços do voo Air France 447 |first1 = Carlos |last1 = Alberto |first2 = Branco |last2 = Marinho |date = 5 May 2011 |access-date = 7 November 2021 }}</ref><ref name="BBCConfirm">{{cite news |date = 2 June 2009 |title = Ocean search finds plane debris |publisher = BBC News |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8080290.stm |url-status = live |access-date = 2 June 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090603011653/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8080290.stm |archive-date = 3 June 2009}}</ref>

During early 2011, a Greek EMB-145-H was deployed to perform AEW missions as part of the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]], specifically in the enforcement of a [[no-fly zone]] over Libya, in response to the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]].<ref name="ekathimerini1">{{cite web |url = http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_6365_22/03/2011_384167 |title = Greece Will Not Be Neutral on Libya, PM Says |publisher = ekathimerini.com |date = 22 March 2011 |access-date = 22 March 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110501023240/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_6365_22/03/2011_384167 |archive-date = 1 May 2011 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://greece.greekreporter.com/2011/03/21/greeces-participation-in-operation-against-libya-costs-1-million-euros-daily/ |title = Greece's Participation in Operation against Libya Costs 1 Million Euros Daily |first = A. |last = Makris |date = 21 March 2011 |access-date = 1 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201201747/http://greece.greekreporter.com/2011/03/21/greeces-participation-in-operation-against-libya-costs-1-million-euros-daily/ |archive-date = 1 February 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref>

The [[Indian Air Force]] has procured an initial three aircraft, which have been outfitted in India with an AESA radar array developed by the [[Electronics and Radar Development Establishment]] along with a [[datalink]], [[identification friend or foe]] (IFF), [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR), and other systems. The first aircraft was delivered from Brazil on 16 August 2012 while the second followed in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/embraer-deepens-ties-with-india-defence-market/98490.article |title = Embraer deepens ties with India defence market |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Stephen |last = Trimble |date = 21 February 2011}}</ref><ref name = "india defupdate2012/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/embraer-flight-testing-indias-last-aew-emb-145/109095.article |title = Embraer flight-testing India's last AEW EMB-145 |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Dave |last = Majumdar |date = 15 March 2013}}</ref> The Air Force has the option to purchase another seven aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-embraer-defence-unit-to-build-on-billion-dollar-2012-375631/ |title = Embraer defence unit to build on billion-dollar 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120825084123/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-embraer-defence-unit-to-build-on-billion-dollar-2012-375631/ |archive-date = 25 August 2012 |publisher = Flight Global |date = 20 August 2012 |access-date = 20 August 2012}}</ref> Following a long "technology absorption" process, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been selected as the Engineering and Life Support Agency (ELSA) for India's DRDO's (Defence Research and Development Organisation) EMB-145i AEW&C mission systems, while Embraer will be responsible for supporting the aircraft. The platform is in service with No. 200 Squadron IAF, based at [[Bathinda Airport|Bathinda AFS]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Units/200+Sqn | title=No.200 Squadron, Indian Air Force - Database }}</ref>

In [[Brazil]]ian service, the E-99 and R-99 are based in [[Anápolis Air Force Base|Anapolis AFB]]. Five E-99s and three R-99s are operated by the Brazilian Air Force as part of the [[Amazon Surveillance System|SIVAM]] program.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/air/embraer-launches-p600-aew-platform |title = Embraer launches P600 AEW platform |publisher = australiandefence.com.au |first = Nigel |last = Pittaway |date = 27 June 2019}}</ref> Starting in 2013, these E-99s have undergone a modernization program that involved the updating of all onboard electronics, including a new Erieye-ER (extended range) radar, the same used on [[GlobalEye]] Detection range increased from 450&nbsp;km to 723 km in the E99M version.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/brazil-signs-aew-modernisation-deal/108379.article |title = Brazil signs AEW modernisation deal |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 9 January 2013}}</ref> The range of targets that can be detected ranges from vessels and large aircraft to watercraft, rubber dinghies and vehicles, as well as hovering helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.airway.com.br/aviao-radar-e-99m-modernizado-da-fab-completa-primeiro-voo/ |title = "Avião-radar" E-99M modernizado da FAB completa primeiro voo |date = 20 August 2019 }}</ref> The first E-99M ("M" stands for modernized) was handed over to Brazilian Air Force on 27 November 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://forcaaerea.com.br/embraer-entrega-o-primeiro-e-99m_atualizado/ |title = Embraer entrega o primeiro E-99M |date = 28 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfCu9NfOmdQ |title = FAB recebe primeira aeronave E-99M modernizada |website = [[YouTube]] |date = 28 November 2020 }}</ref>

During 2022, during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Hellenic EMB-145H's flew several daily combat missions, monitoring [[NATO]] allied airspace over [[Romania]] and [[Bulgaria]] while covering part of the [[Black Sea]].{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

== Operators ==
;{{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]] – 5 E-99s (undergoing modernization to E-99M, first delivery of which expected in the first half of 2020),<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.embraer.com.br/en-us/imprensaeventos/press-releases/noticias/pages/embraer-defesa-e-seguranca-modernizara-aeronaves-de-vigilancia-da-forca-aerea-brasileira.aspx |title = Embraer Defense and Security to modernize surveillance aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force |access-date = 1 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307191646/http://embraer.com.br/en-us/imprensaeventos/press-releases/noticias/pages/embraer-defesa-e-seguranca-modernizara-aeronaves-de-vigilancia-da-forca-aerea-brasileira.aspx |archive-date = 7 March 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/world-cup-overwatch-brazils-aewc-modernization-09151/ |title = World Cup Overwatch: Brazil's AEW&C Modernization |date = 22 January 2013 |work = Defense Industry Daily |access-date = 1 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202022234/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/world-cup-overwatch-brazils-aewc-modernization-09151/ |archive-date = 2 February 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.cision.com/saab/r/saab-receives-order-for-upgrade-of-mission-system-erieye-for-brazil,c9378232 |title = Saab receives order for upgrade of mission system Erieye for Brazil |work = News Powered by Cision |date = 28 February 2013 |access-date = 1 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160223065035/http://news.cision.com/saab/r/saab-receives-order-for-upgrade-of-mission-system-erieye-for-brazil,c9378232 |archive-date = 23 February 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = Barreira |first1 = Victor |title = Brazil seeks first modernised AEW&C aircraft in 2020 |url = https://www.janes.com/article/88475/brazil-seeks-first-modernised-aew-c-aircraft-in-2020 |website = Jane's 360 |access-date = 14 May 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190513184615/https://www.janes.com/article/88475/brazil-seeks-first-modernised-aew-c-aircraft-in-2020 |archive-date = 13 May 2019 |location = Rio de Janeiro |date = 13 May 2019 |url-status = live }}</ref> 3 R-99s. On 27 November 2020, the FAB received the first modernized E-99 in a ceremony held at the Embraer facility in Gavião Peixoto (São Paulo, Brazil)<ref>{{cite web |url = https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206812-embraer-delivers-the-first-modernized-e-99-jet-to-the-brazilian-air-force |title = Embraer delivers the first modernized E-99 jet to Brazilian Air Force |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201127184337/https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206812-embraer-delivers-the-first-modernized-e-99-jet-to-the-brazilian-air-force |archive-date = 27 November 2020 |url-status = live}}</ref>
;{{GRE}}
* [[Hellenic Air Force]] – 4 EMB-145-H (HAF designation is "Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C")<ref>{{cite web |publisher = Hellenic Air Force |url = http://www.haf.gr/en/mission/weapons/emb-145.asp |title = Embraer EMB-145H AEW&C |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090428095322/http://www.haf.gr/en/mission/weapons/emb-145.asp |archive-date = 28 April 2009 }}</ref>
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]] – 1 EMB-145-SA (FAM designation EMB-145AEW&C), 2 EMB-145-MP <ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.spyflight.co.uk/emb145.htm |title = Embraer EMB-145 SA/RS (R-99A/B) |access-date = 1 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022809/http://www.spyflight.co.uk/emb145.htm |archive-date = 5 March 2016 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name = "mexico official2001">{{cite web |url = http://www1.embraer.com/english/content/imprensa/press_releases_detalhe.asp?id=72 |title = EMBRAER airplanes chosen by Mexico for surveillance program |publisher = Embraer S.A. |access-date = 7 November 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120449/http://www1.embraer.com/english/content/imprensa/press_releases_detalhe.asp?id=72 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www1.embraer.com/english/content/imprensa/press_releases_detalhe.asp?id=527 |title = EMBRAER TO EXHIBIT AT AUSA WINTER MEETING |publisher = Embraer S.A. |access-date = 7 November 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160730041550/http://www1.embraer.com/english/content/imprensa/press_releases_detalhe.asp?id=527 |archive-date = 30 July 2016 }}</ref>
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]] – Platform Only - 3 EMB-145-I were fitted with an Indian-developed AESA radar array along with other apparatus.<ref name = "india defupdate2012>{{cite web |last = Eshel |first = Tamir |url = http://defense-update.com/20120816_emb145aew_india.html |title = India Receives First EMB-145 AEW&C Aircraft |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120817234436/http://defense-update.com/20120816_emb145aew_india.html |archive-date = 17 August 2012 |publisher = Defense Update |date = 16 August 2012}}</ref> Operated as [[DRDO AEW&CS|DRDO Netra AEW&CS]].

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:EMB-145 FAM.jpg|An Embraer EMB-145-SA AEW&C of the [[Mexican Air Force]] at Santa Lucia AFB.
File:20061111-LGEL-EMB145H-SXBKO.jpg|An Embraer EMB-145H AEW&C of the [[Hellenic Air Force]] during delivery tests at Elefsis AB, [[Greece]].
File:R-99a-fab6704.jpg|An Embraer EMB-145-SA, E-99 (Brazilian Air Force designation) of the [[Brazilian Air Force]] on display at [[RAF Fairford]], [[England]], during an [[Air show|airshow]].
File:Embraer R-99A.jpg|Embraer EMB-145-H AEW&C during trials in [[Halmstad]], [[Sweden]], before delivery to the [[Hellenic Air Force]].
File:Embraer R-99 6750 (9505743118).jpg|EMB-145-RS (R-99) in 2013
File:Cabine do avião R99.jpg|Cockpit of a R-99 airplane of the [[Brazilian Air Force]]
File:DrdoNetra.jpg|DRDO Netra of the [[Indian Air Force]]
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Aviation|Brazil}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Embraer ERJ 145 family]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[DRDO AEW&CS]]
* [[Dassault Falcon 7X|Dassault Falcon 8X ARCHANGE]]
* [[Raytheon Sentinel]]
* [[Saab Group|Saab]] [[GlobalEye]]
* [[Gulfstream G550]] CAEW Eitam
* [[KJ-200]]
|lists=
|see also =
}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071030053423/http://www.embraercommercialjets.com/english/content/home_erj/ ERJ Family official site]

{{Embraer}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}

[[Category:AWACS aircraft]]
[[Category:1990s Brazilian electronic warfare aircraft]]
[[Category:Embraer aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
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[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1999]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]