Embraer KC-390

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KC-390
Apresentação KC-390 (15414135738).jpg
First prototype presentation
Role Medium-sized transport aircraft
National origin Brazil
Manufacturer Embraer Defense and Security
First flight 3 February 2015[1]
Introduction 2018 (proposed)[2]
Status Under development
Program cost US$5 billion as of 2014[3]
Unit cost
US$85 million in 2014[4]

The Embraer KC-390 is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft under development by Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, able to perform aerial refuelling and to transport cargo and troops. It is the heaviest aircraft that the company has made to date, and will be able to transport up to 21 t (23 tons) of cargo, including wheeled armoured fighting vehicles.[5][6]

Design and development

Origins

In 2006, Embraer began studies on a military tactical transport design of a similar size to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.[7] In April 2007, Embraer reported it was studying a medium-size airlifter, with the company designation "C-390".[8] The transport aircraft is to incorporate many of the technological solutions from the Embraer E-Jets series and feature a rear ramp for loading and unloading a wide range of cargo. The unit price was estimated to be around US$50 million in 2007,[9] while similar models, such as the C-130J cost up to $62 million.[10]

The former president of Embraer Defence and Security, Luiz Carlos Aguiar, 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 a large potential market for this kind of aircraft.[11][12] Powerplant options have been studied in the 75.6 to 98 kN (17,000 to 22,000 lbf) thrust range, including engines such as the Pratt & Whitney PW6000 and Rolls-Royce BR715.[7]

In March 2008, the Brazilian Government planned to invest about R$60 million (or US$33 M) in initial development of the aircraft and the Brazilian Air Force was simultaneously finalizing the purchase contract to probably buy 22 to 30 aircraft in the first order, while Embraer is negotiating with possible partners.[13] 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, with un-confirmed sales to other government agencies.[14]

Embraer intended to use components from the Embraer E-190 to allow for a quick development, but the Brazilian Air Force (paying the bill) demanded performance at least equal to the C-130. Before 2009, Embraer decided to develop the KC-390 from scratch, having nothing in common with the E-190. In Embraer's view, the jet engine is sufficiently resilient to dust ingestion, whereas propeller tips close to the ground are susceptible to damage. Embraer also chose the V2500 engines for efficiency in ordinary conditions rather than performance in unusual conditions.[15]

On 14 April 2009, Embraer was awarded with a $1.5 billion contract to develop and build 2 prototypes.[16][17] In March 2010, Embraer drew up a development schedule, with the first prototype aircraft scheduled to be delivered in late 2014.[18]

In July 2010, during the Farnborough Airshow, the Brazilian Air Force announced it will order 28 KC-390s and Embraer announced an increase in the cargo capacity to 21 t (21 long tons; 23 short tons).[5][19] During the 2011 Paris Air Show, Embraer announced plans to launch a stretched version of the KC-390 focused on the civil cargo market in 2018, with 200–250 predicted orders over a 10-year period. Two plugs will be added fore and aft of the centre fuselage section increasing internal capacity, but also providing for a side cargo door.[20]

Partnerships and manufacturing

Embraer-KC-390.jpg

In August 2010, Argentine Defence Minister Nilda Garré announced that Argentina will participate in the construction of the C-390.[21] On 24 August 2010 the defence ministers of Chile and Brazil signed an agreement for Chile's ENAER company to join the KC-390 industry team.[22][23] Colombia also signed an agreement to join the KC-390 programme.[24] On 10 September 2010 Portugal defense minister signed an intentions letter in order to join the programme.[25][26] On 14 December 2011, Embraer announced that Brazil and Portugal have signed an agreement for defense partnership contract for EEA to support engineering for the KC-390's components that will be built by Embraer's subsidiary OGMA.[27]

In June 2012, Boeing and Embraer agreed to a co-operation deal and to share technical knowledge, in order to speed development of the aircraft; exchanging technical and market information, and possibly teaming up for commercial opportunities,[28] as part of a broader agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April of the same year.[29][30]

Major subcontracted assemblies include the rear fuselage section (Aero Vodochody),[31] avionics (Rockwell Collins),[32] fly-by-wire primary flight control system (Goodrich Corporation),[33] landing gear (ELEB)[34] and the cargo handling and aerial delivery system (Rockwell Collins).[35] IAE is supplying the V2500-E5 turbofan, in the first military application of this engine family.[36] Fábrica Argentina de Aviones supplys the tail cone, cargo door and landing gear doors.[37]

Prototypes and first flight

Two prototypes were planned by the program. The first prototype rolled out from the Embraer subsidiary plant, Embraer Defense and Security, at Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo on 21 October 2014,[38][39] and flew for the first time on 3 February 2015.[1]

In July 2015 the company announced a two-year delay in the flight test program, citing the devaluation of the Brazilian real and government spending cuts. However, a second test flight took place at Gavião Pexioto on 26 October 2015.[40] By February 2016, the first prototype had logged more than 100 hours of flight.[41]

The second prototype was finished in March 2016 and scheduled to join the campaign in the first half of 2016.[42] With the resumption of flight-testing, the manufacturer now expects to certify the aircraft in 2017 and begin deliveries in 2018. The eight months between test flights were used to conduct ground vibration tests to validate aeroelastic models, as well as avionics, mission, landing gear and electric and hydraulic flight control system testing. Embraer has reported good availability for testing, sometimes doing two flights per day. The aircraft has now been tested to the limits of speed, Mach number and altitude, as well as all slat, flap and gear positions.”[43]

Operational history

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.[44][45] On 19 May 2011, it was stated that Correioslog will buy around 15 aircraft for civil use.[46]

In September 2008, the Portuguese Air Force chief-of-staff, being interviewed for the Portuguese 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.[47] In February 2010, a further notice reported that Embraer proposed to the Portuguese Ministry of Defense the acquisition of KC-390s to supplant the ageing C-130s of the Portuguese Air Force.[48] In December 2011 it was announced that the Portuguese government will sign an 87 million euro contract with Embraer for part of the production of the KC-390.[49]

On 7 September 2009, it was announced that France was interested in buying 10 KC-390s as part of negotiations for Brazil to buy the Dassault Rafale.[50]

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.[51]

In July 2010, the Brazilian Air Force announced its intent to buy 28 aircraft.[52]

In August 2010, it was announced that the Chilean Air Force plans to order six KC-390s.[23]

It was reported in September 2010 that Colombia intends to order 12 KC-390s.[24] Later that month, it was also reported that Czech Republic Air Force might acquire two KC-390s.[53] In August 2013, the Colombian Air Force announced that it would acquire a fleet of KC-390s to replace its Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet.[54]

In October 2010, Embraer announced the future acquisition of six KC-390s by the Argentine Air Force.[55] It was reported that Brazil and the UAE were negotiating an agreement for military cooperation, which would involve sales of KC-390 in late October.[56]

On 14 February 2012, Brazilian Defence Minister announced that Peru is interested in potentially acquiring an undisclosed number of KC-390s.[57]

In April 2013, six countries had commitments for 60 KC-390s: Argentina (6), Brazil (28), Chile (6), Colombia (12), the Czech Republic (2), and Portugal (6).[58]

In June 2013, Embraer and Boeing signed an agreement to market the KC-390 in limited international venues, building on the June 2012 MoU. Boeing will be the lead for KC-390 sales, sustainment and training opportunities in the USA, UK, and selected Middle East markets.[59]

In January 2016, the KC-390 was named by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) as one of three contenders for a new fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force, to replace the elderly CC-115 (DHC-5A) and CC-130 Hercules, along with the Alenia Aermacchi C-27J and the Airbus Defence & Space C-295W. The evaluation process including aircraft testing will take “about six months” and a contract award is expected in "late 2016 or early 2017".[60]

Operators

The Brazilian Air Force ordered 28 KC-390, in addition to the two prototypes.[61][62]

Including Brazilian order, a total of sixty units were ordered for Chile, Portugal, Czech Republic, Argentina and Colombia. Portugal, Czech Republic and Argentina are Brazilian partners in program.[63]

Specifications (KC-390)

Embraer-KC-390-3-Side-View.svg

Data from Embraer,[64] Flightglobal[65] Aviation Week[6]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: [16]
Cargo compartment: Length 17.75 m X width 3.45 m X height 2.9 m

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.8 (300 KCAS, 850 km/h)
  • Range: 2,600 nmi (4,815 km, 2,992 mi) (with 13,335 kilograms (29,399 lb) payload)
  • Range with full payload: 1,400 nmi (2,593 km, 1,611 mi)
  • Ferry range: 3,250 nmi (6,019 km, 3,740 mi)
  • Service ceiling: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ "PARIS: Embraer reveals plan for KC-390 civil stretch". Flight Global, 21 June 2011. Retrieved: 12 March 2012.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Chuter, Andrew. "Chile May Tie Up With Brazil's KC-390". Defense News, 25 August 2010.[dead link]
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Croft, John. "Colombia formalises Embraer KC-390 interest". Flight International, 1 September 2010.
  25. ↑ Portugal no programa do KC-390 (Portuguese)
  26. ↑ "Defence Ministers of Portugal and Brazil Sign Memorandum of Understanding on the KC-390". defense-aerospace.com, 10 September 2010.
  27. ↑ "Brazil and Portugal Sign Defense Partnership for KC-390 Program". Embraer, 14 December 2011. Retrieved: 4 May 2012.
  28. ↑ "Boeing and Embraer Sign Agreement to Collaborate on KC-390". Boeing, 26 June 2012. Retrieved: 26 June 2012.
  29. ↑ "Boeing and Embraer Sign Agreement for Broad Business Cooperation to Benefit Customers and Support Industry Growth". Embraer, 9 April 2012. Retrieved: 26 June 2012.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ "Embraer selects Rockwell Collins advanced avionics system for Brazilian Air Force KC-390 fleet". Rockwell Collins, 5 May 2011. Retrieved: 12 March 2012.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Trimble, Stephen. "IAE steps into military market with KC-390 win". Flight International, 26 July 2011.
  37. ↑ http://www.telam.com.ar/notas/201410/82390-rossi-san-pablo-embraer.html
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  44. ↑ Costa confirma projeto dos Correios com cargueiro C-390. Monitor Mercantil. 28 August 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2007.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ "Correios investirão até R$ 1 bi para criar aérea com aviões da Embraer" (in Portuguese). O Globo, 19 May 2011. Retrieved: 12 March 2012.
  47. ↑ [1] Archived 21 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  49. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  50. ↑ "Negociação de caças franceses prevê venda de jato da Embraer" (in Porguguese). Estadão, 7 September 2009. Retrieved: 2 May 2012.
  51. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  52. ↑ "FAB anuncia intenção de comprar 28 aviões KC 390 da Embraer" (in Portuguese).. Estadão, 21 July 2010. Retrieved: 14 March 2012.
  53. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  54. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  55. ↑ Argentine government manifests its intention to acquire six military transport jets from Embraer
  56. ↑ "UAE and Brazil to sign defence agreement". Gulf News, 23 September 2010. Retrieved: 30 May 2012.
  57. ↑ "Peru may buy 10 Embraer Super Tucanos - Brazil". Reuters, 14 February 2012. Retrieved: 12 March 2012.
  58. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  59. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  60. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  61. ↑ Protótipos se somarão aos KC-390 encomendados pela FAB, para uma frota total de 30 aviões. Poder Aereo, 22 October 2014. (Portuguese)
  62. ↑ Warwick, Graham. "Embraer Launches KC-390 Tanker/Transport". Aviation Week, 15 April 2009.
  63. ↑ Parcerias e intenções de compra. Defesanet, available at Interview with Paulo Gastão, Program Director KC-390. (Portuguese) Defesanet
  64. ↑ KC-390 Brochure
  65. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  66. ↑ "VBTP Guarani: A New APC for Brazil". Defense Industry Daily, 6 January 2011. Retrieved: 15 June 2012.
  67. ↑ [2] KC-390 - EMBRAER otimista na perspectiva de mercado (Portuguese) 'DefesaNet'
  68. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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