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.
