Embraer KC-390
| KC-390 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Concept of the KC-390 | |
| Role | Medium-sized transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Embraer |
| Status | Under Development |
| Unit cost | US$50 million |
The Embraer KC-390 is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft under development by Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. It will be the heaviest aircraft that the company has made so far, and will be able to transport up to 21 tonnes (23 tons) of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles.[1][2]
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[edit] Design and development
In 2006, Embraer began studies on a military tactical transport design of a similar size to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.[3] In April 2007, Embraer reported it was studying a medium-size airlifter, with the company designation C-390.[4]
The aircraft will incorporate many of the technological solutions from the Embraer E-Jets series. The airlifter will have a rear ramp for loading and unloading a wide range of cargo. The unit price is estimated to be around US$50 million,[5] while the competition sells similar models, such as the C-130J for up to $62 million.[6] The vice president of Embraer, Luís Carlos Aguilar, said that according to their estimates, some 695 military transport aircraft in the world will need to be replaced during the next decade, and that there is potential market for this kind of plane.[7] Potential power plant options have been studied in the 75.6 to 98 kN (17,000–22,000 lb) thrust range, including engines such as Pratt & Whitney's PW6000 and Rolls-Royce's BR715.[3]
In early March 2008, the Brazilian Government planned to invest about R$60 million (or US$33 M) in initial development of the aircraft. At the same time, the Brazilian Air Force was finalizing the purchase contract that probably will buy 22 to 30 aircraft in the first order. Embraer is talking with the possible partners.[8] In May 2008, the Brazilian Congress released 800 million Reais (US$440 M) to be invested in the project and development of the aircraft. The media also claimed that this aircraft is not only going to be used by the Brazilian Air Force, but also for Brazilian Army and Brazilian Navy, but still not confirmed for government agencies.[9] On 14 April 2009, an order by the Brazilian Air Force for the KC-390 tanker/transport version was announced.[10][11]
In March 2010, Embraer drew up a development schedule, with the first prototype aircraft scheduled to be delivered in late 2014.[12] In July 2010, during the Farnborough Airshow, the Brazilian Air Force announced it will order 28 KC-390s. During the show, Embraer announced an increase in the cargo capacity to 21 tonnes (23 tons) and that first flight is planned for 2014.[1][13]
[edit] Partnerships and manufacturing
In August 2010, Argentine Defence Minister Nilda Garré announced that Argentina will participate on the construction of the C-390.[14] On 24 August 2010 the defence ministers of Chile and Brazil signed an agreement for Chile's ENAER company to join KC-390 industry team.[15][16] Colombia also signed an agreement to join the KC-390 programme.[17] On 10 September 2010 Portugal defense minister signed a intentions letter in order to join the programme.[18][19]
In September 2010, it was reported that the Czech company Aero Vodochody might manufacture some parts for the KC-390.[20] In October 2010, Embraer announced negotiations for the involvement in the KC-390 manufacturing of Argentina's Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA)[21] which will also provide parts for Embraer's commercial jets.[22][23]
On 23 March 2011, DRS Defense Solutions was selected to deliver the tanker/transport's cargo handling and aerial delivery system.[24] On April 7, the Brazilian company ELEB (a wholly owned subsidiary of Embraer), was chosen to design and manufacture the landing gear.[25] On 13 April an agreement between Embraer and FAdeA was signed to manufacture the spoilers, nose landing gear doors, ramp door, flap fairings, tail cone, and electronic cabinet at Cordoba, Argentina[26] The same day Aero Vodochody was selected to build the rear fuselage section, crew and parachute doors, emergency doors and hatches, cargo ramp and fixed leading edge.[27] On October 28, 2011, LMI Aerospace of the United States announced it was selected to Design and Build the Slats. [28]
In July 2011, Embraer announced it had chosen the IAE V2500-E5 turbofan as the engine for the KC-390.[29]
[edit] Operational history
[edit] Orders and potential customer evaluations
It was reported in 2007 that the Brazilian postal service Correios was interested in buying at least 5 and eventually 20 to 25 of the aircraft, in lieu of using commercial freight service for mail transport.[30][31]
In September 2008, the Portuguese Air Force chief-of-staff, being interviewed for a national aviation newspaper Take Off revealed a service interest in the airplane as a possible C-130 fleet replacement, although this interest was outlined as the PoAF being closely monitoring the C-390 development, with a possible order in the future.[32] In February 2010, a further notice[33] reports that Embraer proposed to the Ministry of Defense the acquisition of KC-390 to substitute the ageing C-130 of the Portuguese Air Force. In 2011-12-13 it was announced that the Portuguese government will sign a 87 million euro contract with Embraer for part of the production of the KC-390 cargo plane.[34]
On 7 September 2009, it was announced that France was interested in buying 12 KC-390s as part of negotiations for Brazil to buy the Dassault Rafale.[35]
On 2 October 2009, Sweden declared its intention to evaluate the KC-390 transport aircraft for long term tactical air transport needs connected to its F-X2 offer on JAS 39 Gripen.[36]
In August 2010 it was announced that the Chilean Air Force plans to order six KC-390s.[16] In September 2010 it was reported that Colombia intends to order 12 KC-390s.[17] That same month it was reported that the Czech Republic might acquire two KC-390s.[20]
In October 2010, Embraer announced the future acquisition of six KC-390s by the Argentine Air Force.[21]
[edit] Operators
Brazil- Brazilian Air Force ordered 2 KC-390 prototypes,[11] and will order 28 aircraft.[37]
[edit] Specifications (KC-390)
Data from Embraer[38][39] flightglobal.com[40]Aviation Week[41]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: Length 17.75 m x Width 3.45 m x Height 2.9 m
- Payload: 23.6 tons (52,029 lb)
- Length: 33.91 m (111.3 ft)
- Wingspan: 35.06 m (115 ft)
- Height: 10.26 m (33.8 ft)
- Loaded weight: 74.0 tons (163,142 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 81.0 tons (178,574 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × IAE V2500-E5 turbofan, 120-129 kN (27,000-29,000 lbf) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.8 (300 KCAS)
- Range: 1,320 nmi (2,445 km)
- Ferry range: 3,370 nmi (6,241 km)
- Service ceiling: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)
[edit] See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
[edit] References
- ^ a b "FAB and Embraer Announce Plan for KC 390 Initial Acquisition". Embraer, 21 July 2010.
- ^ Inside Embraer's KC-390 Tanker/Transport. Graham Warwick's blog on AviationWeek.com, 25 February 2011.
- ^ a b Norris, Guy. "Embraer studies C-130-sized tactical airlifter". Flight International, 13 November 2006.
- ^ Warwick, Graham. "Embraer reveals details of C-390 military airlifter". Flightglobal.com, 19 April 2007.
- ^ [1]. Yahoo! Industry News
- ^ Govindasamy, Siva. "FARNBOROUGH: Lockheed prepares for KC-390 competition ." Flight Global, 21 July 2010.
- ^ Prensa Latina
- ^ [2]
- ^ Blog do Rogério » Blog Archive » Câmara Federal aprova orçamento de R$ 800 milhões para avião cargueiro militar
- ^ Stephen Trimble (14 April 2009). "Brazilian Air Force signs order launching Embraer KC-390 tanker-transport". Flightglobal. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/14/325113/brazilian-air-force-signs-order-launching-embraer-kc-390-tanker-transport.html. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
- ^ a b Warwick, Graham. "Embraer Launches KC-390 Tanker/Transport". Aviation Week, 15 April 2009.
- ^ "Embraer reveals KC-390 schedule, design changes". Flight International. 2010. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/13/341893/embraer-reveals-kc-390-schedule-design-changes.html. Retrieved 2010-05-14.
- ^ Wall, Robert. KC-390 advances, F-X2 doesn't. Aviation Week blog, 21 July 2010.
- ^ "la cooperación con países de la región, entre los cuales destacó el caso de Brasil en el que Argentina participará en la construcción del avión de transporte C-390, similar al Hércules"
- ^ "Embraer Reveals Discussions With Chilean Aeronautics Industry For The KC-390". Embraer, 24 August 2010.
- ^ a b Chuter, Andrew. "Chile May Tie Up With Brazil's KC-390". Defense News, 25 August 2010.
- ^ a b Croft, John. "Colombia formalises Embraer KC-390 interest". Flight International, 1 September 2010.
- ^ Portugal no programa do KC-390 (Portuguese)
- ^ "Defence Ministers of Portugal and Brazil Sign Memorandum of Understanding on the KC-390". defense-aerospace.com, 10 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Czech Republic outlines need for two KC-390s". http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/09/14/347288/czech-republic-outlines-need-for-two-kc-390s.html. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
- ^ a b Argentine government manifests its intention to acquire six military transport jets from Embraer
- ^ interview FADEA director
- ^ FADEA manager interview
- ^ DRS wins first link in KC-390 supply chain
- ^ [ KC-390 Cargo Jet Will Have Landing Gear by ELEB Embraer chooses Brazilian company to design and manufacture this system]
- ^ Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brig. San Martín” S.A. (FAdeA) will supply structural parts for the new airplane
- ^ LAAD11: Embraer signs two new suppliers for KC-390
- ^ LMI Aerospace Awarded Embraer KC-390 Slats Design and Build Contract
- ^ Trimble, Stephen. "IAE steps into military market with KC-390 win". Flight International, 26 July 2011.
- ^ Costa confirma projeto dos Correios com cargueiro C-390. Monitor Mercantil. August 28, 2007. Retrieved on October 15, 2007.
- ^ "Brazilian postal service may order Embraer C-390 freighters". Flightglobal.com. 2007-09-04. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/09/04/216557/brazilian-postal-service-may-order-embraer-c-390-freighters.html. Retrieved 2011-12-13.
- ^ [3]
- ^ "Reequipamento das FA: Portugal pondera comprar avião militar brasileiro". Sol. 2010-02-23. http://sol.sapo.pt/PaginaInicial/Sociedade/Interior.aspx?content_id=163719. Retrieved 2011-12-13.
- ^ "Governo assina amanhã contrato com Embraer". Diário Económico. 2011-12-13. http://economico.sapo.pt/noticias/governo-assina-amanha-contrato-com-embraer_133604.html.
- ^ [4]
- ^ "Saab Delivers the Perfect Match to Brazil". Defence Talk. 2009-10-06. http://www.defencetalk.com/saab-offers-gripen-fighter-technology-transfer-to-brazil-22389/. Retrieved 2011-12-13.
- ^ Embraer’s Multinational KC-390 Tactical Air Transport Program. Defense Industry Daily, 3 November 2010.
- ^ KC-390 Brochure
- ^ KC-390 spec card
- ^ FARNBOROUGH: Brazilian air force signs letter of intent for 28 KC-390s. flightglobal.com
- ^ Inside Embraer's KC390 Tanker/Transport
[edit] External links
- Cargo - Overview page on Embraer Defence Systems site
- "Embraer has Military Transport Aircraft Under Study", Embraer News release
- "Options Expand in Heavy Lift" (see pages 2-3). Aviation Week, 5 June 2009
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