Embraer KC-390 - Design and Development

Design and Development

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

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. Potential powerplant 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.

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. 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.

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

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. In 2010, National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) designed and built a large high-grade aluminium alloy wind tunnel model for the KC-390, focused on its aerodynamic features during takeoff and landing.

During 2011 Paris Air Show, Embraer announced plans to launch a stretch 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 before and after of the center section to lengthen the fuselage from the current 33.91 m (111.3 ft), not only increasing internal capacity, but also providing for a side cargo door.

In June 2012, Boeing and Embraer agreed to co-operate with technical know-how to spur development of the aircraft. The companies are to exchange technical and market information, and possibly team up for commercial opportunities. The KC-390 collaboration is part of a broader agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April of the same year.

Read more about this topic:  Embraer KC-390

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