AEM has delivered the first shipments in an order for Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer S.A., consisting of a specialty solution for their C-390 Millennium Warning Bell System. AEM’s solution is a customized system using modified commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) products.

The project was in response to an Embraer RFP to procure an internal aircraft alert system suitable for the conditions experienced in the aircraft’s cargo area. AEM satisfied this need by developing a system that features modified COTS versions of the LSA400 loudspeaker amplifier and the TS150 loudspeaker. AEM’s solution integrates into the C-390’s existing audio system to produce audible alerts to the cargo compartment occupants.

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a new generation multi-mission transport aircraft that brings unrivalled mobility, quick reconfiguration, and improved flight safety, all in a single, unique platform. In its class, it has the lowest life-cycle costs, the highest operational effectiveness, the best mission modularity, and mobility. It also boasts levels of availability and maintainability normally only associated with commercial aircraft. The airlifts with the aerial refueling capability have the designation KC-390 Millennium.

“Our COTS Loudspeaker systems have been proven in some of the industry’s most demanding airborne environments and we were able to make some modifications to meet Embraer’s specific needs” explained Tony Weller, Director of Sales & Marketing at AEM. ”We are fortunate to have a well-rounded team of 20 engineers and technologists in-house who are not only highly competent, but also very adaptable in working within the constraints of existing aircraft systems and equipment. This kind of expertise allows us to think outside-the-box with the creative modified COTS solutions we propose to our customers.”

“Embraer is very pleased with the work performed by AEM in order to meet the requirements for the C- 390 Millennium aircraft”, said Walter Pinto Júnior, Vice President, Programs, Embraer Defense & Security. “The systems are already operational in the aircraft and working perfectly.”

AEM also developed a custom audio adapter product to interface between the cargo area audio panels and the existing aircraft audio system. The second project for the C-390 Millennium platform is a complete design, development and manufacturing effort with both engineering teams working closely together.