Here on the ramp at the Embraer plant sits a lineup of airborne surveillance aircraft newly built for the Greek air force and due for delivery in time for this summer's Olympic Games. Another was just delivered to the air force of Mexico for maritime patrol. They are the latest version of Em-braer's twin-jet EMB-145 regional airliner, and part of a series that is offering the world's air forces an inexpensive alternative, perhaps 20-30% of the $5,000 per hr. operating cost of conventional four-engine jet and turboprop surveillance aircraft. The Brazilian air force is already operating two variants of the aircraft that were designed for the dual purpose of protecting the Amazon (as part of the System for the Vigilance of the Amazon program—Sivam) and aiding law enforcement efforts against illegal mining, timbering and smuggling.
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