Embraer Rolls Out KC-390
Embraer recently rolled out is largest military aircraft to date and is apparently taking aim at the venerable C-130 with the KC-390. Embraer hopes to fly the high-wing twin turbofan by the end of the year and certify it by the end of 2015 with the first operational aircraft delivered in 2016.
Embraer recently rolled out is largest military aircraft to date and is apparently taking aim at the venerable C-130 with the KC-390. Embraer hopes to fly the high-wing twin turbofan by the end of the year and certify it by the end of 2015 with the first operational aircraft delivered in 2016. The KC-390 has so far been ordered only by the Brazilian air force but the late-October rollout was attended by representatives of 32 countries, according to IHS Jane's 360. Brazil has ordered a total of 30 aircraft, including the two prototypes, and other countries have signed letters of intent for another 32 aircraft.
The KC-390 is the same basic configuration as a C-130 with the high wing and a rear ramp loading door. It will carry a perfectly balanced load of 30 tons but is more realistically capable of carrying about 26 tons. The C-130 carries about 22 tons. The jet engines give it a speed advantage over the Herc with the KC-390 projected to cruise at about Mach .8. The KC-390, in its basic configuration, can carry about 80 troops, 64 paratroops, three trucks or a single Blackhawk helicopter. It can also be configured for aerial refueling, search and rescue and recon missions.
