Embraer KC-390

The KC-390 is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft under development by Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. It is the heaviest aircraft that the company has made to date. The KC-390 is a new generation multi-mission aircraft capable of transporting and launching cargo and troops.

The KC-390 is a twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft, like the A400M of Airbus, with which it intends to compete in the international market, although within a segment of smaller size. It has a maximum capacity to carry up to 26 tons, including armoured vehicles, and is similar in size to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, which has a load capacity of around 20 tons.

This aircraft is designed to perform a wide range of missions: military transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, refuelling (fighters and helicopters), aerial firefighting and assistance. It has a modern cargo o handling system which can transport large-sized cargo: pallets, vehicles, helicopters, troops, paratroopers, medevac strecher, mixed configurations. It highlights, therefore, its versatility and flexibility for its use by the Armed Forces of different countries.

The KC-390’s piloting is facilitated by an integrated avionic system and a fly-by-wire flight control, and it can be equipped with a self-defense system and ballistic protection which increases its capacity to operate in hostile environments.

On the other hand, the aircraft is undergoing a complete certification process built on a dual approach, which combines the efforts of the civil and military airworthiness authorities and ensures that the aircraft can safely fulfill all its military missions.

The KC-390 has a length of 35.3 meters, a height of 11.84 meters and a wingspan of 35 meters, with a maximum range of 4,600 nautical miles. The program currently has more than 30 orders, 28 of them are aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force. The Portuguese Air Force has ordered 6 units.

More information: See Embraer website