KC-390 Tests The Winds

A serious contender in the military tactical airlifter market, the KC-390 is the largest aircraft developed by Embraer. The aircraft is undergoing tests and has arrived in US. Also, is targeting Initial Operational Capability by end of 2017.

- Mike Rajkumar

Embraer’s KC-390 military transport is a new generation multi-mission aircraft which promises to offer a highly flexible platform with the lowest life cycle cost in the medium airlift market. The new generation airlifter will be the newest jet powered military transport in the market and will be able to carry 23 tonnes of cargo for up to 2,730 km. If the load is reduced to 14 tonnes, then aircraft range rises to 4,914 km, it can also transport up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h). Developmental work on the new type is significantly advanced and “Initial Operational Capability should be achieved by the end of this year, with first delivery is slated to take place in 2018,” company officials say. Brazilian Air Force Transport Squadron Ala 11 is scheduled to take delivery of two aircraft in 2018 and the air force has a total of 28 on order. The KC-390 is the largest military aircraft to be produced in Brazil.