No one is saying that Embraer’s new KC-390 jet-powered multi-use aircraft is purpose-built to serve as an air tanker, but the company’s website has a picture, an artist’s conception, of it dropping on a wildfire before it even takes its first flight. In the image, it appears to have a retardant system similar to the first generation Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) with the pressurized nozzles protruding out of the open rear loading ramp.
The aircraft was just rolled out for the first time October 21 at the company’s plant in Brazil and will not take its first flight for a few months, so it’s a little early to say it will join the fleet of next-generation air tankers. Embraer has said they have firm orders from the Brazilian Air Force for 28 of the aircraft, which will fit into the medium transport category dominated by Lockeed’s C-130 series.
The list of roles it could fill is long, including cargo and troop transport (80 troops or 64 paratroopers), medical evacuation, search and rescue, air to air refueling, and, the company says, firefighting air tanker.
According to Wikipedia, it will sell for $50 million and can carry a 52,029-pound payload. Business Insider reported it will have a cruising speed of 860 kilometers (550 miles) per hour. Wikipedia say the C-130J can carry a 44,000-pound payload and has a cruising speed of 348 knots (400 mph, 643 km/h).
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to John.
10 Comments
Ahhhhh yes
Another “jungle jet” as coined by some in the airline industry
LAT? Maybe in Europe or Med areas
Don’t know many civie operators ready for this..
Could be a game changer..price seems right..just needs a better drop system than the one depicted. Product support could go along way in the theater of old aircraft. Even some of the “next Gen” aircraft are old and obsolete.
At $50M a pop
One would almost expect 10-20 yr contracts on newer technology, training and aircraft sim FAA requirements
Game changer? Only if WO-FAM can see past it’s 60 plus year contracting system, antiquated my Agency only attitude wanting freeeee stuff and coming to the realization, IF and ONLY IF, the aviation is willing to STEP UP
Getting a aircraft from Brazil? Ask all the airline Embrear airline drivers and mechanics, MAYBE the bean counters…….before one goes off half cocked about ” the price is right” syndrome. Of course, it is all about costs…….check on all those DC10 and “Next Gen” costs
$50 M may sound like a deal and maybe even a warranty program……but eventually type ratings and whatnot make this nearly either a military aircraft or a consortium project………where EVERYONE in the LMA sandbox contributes…..not just because “it looks good in MY stables” attitudes ..
I don’t see to many operators spending 50K for one aircraft to tank. A new C130J would still be a better deal – parts – reliability – proven platform and there are still a few other aircraft that would be cheaper and make good tankers.
Nice new design and shotgun marketing, makes sense for them to try.
Props are for Air Tankers, Jets are for hot tubs……….
Well, we have $50m initial cost-the FAA, DOD, USFS,BLM etc,etc,
will have their say and their way , plus parts, training and the rest, the
C-27 fiasco looks to be a real bargain…
Also, the MAFFS-type drop system gives me heartburn too,,
A platform on par with the RJ85… but newer.
That statement could use some clarification..
I see nothing comparable between the two aircraft other than a high wing and T-tail. RJ has 4 engines and 1/2 the payload, 2/3rds the speed and 1/4 the range/endurance.
I love that “new” airplane smell. The emphasis should not be on the airplane but its drop system. The air tanker industry know what effectively works (gravity) and what doesn’t (pressurization). I would imagine if an airplane can take off and land it could be converted into a successful air tanker. It is the the drop system that is the pay off.
I see no resemblance in KC390 and RJ85
Completely different roles and airframes to begin with
Closest resemblance to an RJ 85 in any fashion would be the BAe 146….
Comments are closed for this article!