Brazil - Air Force Embraer KC-390 FAB2853

Photographer's remark
(17.4.2023, 11:22 CET)
Millennium vs Super Hercules! The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft designed and produced by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. On 21 October 2014, the first prototype (PT-ZNF) rolled out from the Embraer subsidiary plant, Embraer Defense and Security, in São Paulo. On 3 February 2015, the first prototype performed its maiden flight. The C-390 is a very versatile aircraft and, can be configured to perform various operations such as transportation of troops, VIPs, and cargo, humanitarian missions, medical evacuation, firefighting, search & rescue, and aerial refuelling. The aircraft was designed to operate on semi-prepared or damaged runways as well as in hostile environments, ranging from hot & humid to cold, dry conditions. The aircraft is powered by a pair of IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines mounted on the high, droopy wings. The C-390 has a cruising speed of Mach 0.8 which, according to Embraer, enables payloads to be transported faster than any other airplane in the medium airlift market. The aircraft has full fly-by-wire flight controls, active sidesticks, and an auto-throttle system. The aircraft has an Inertial Navigation System (INS), GPS, and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) transponder. It is also fitted with SELEX Galileo's Gabbiano Tactical Radar, capable of GMTI, SAR, ISAR, and SART modes amongst others. An Elbit Systems-supplied directional infrared countermeasures suite is also typically installed for self-defense purposes. An integrated onboard maintenance system actively monitors the health of the overall aircraft and various subsystems at all times. It can carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes (57,000 lb), such as two fully-tracked M113 armoured personnel carriers, one Boxer armoured vehicle, a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, 74 litters with life-support equipment, up to 80 soldiers or 66 paratroopers with full gear, and loads of up to 42,000 lb (19 t) can be air dropped. This was probably the first-ever visit of the C-390 to India. She landed at Yelahanka AFS on the evening of 13th February 2023. I had seen many pictures of this aircraft before but her size was much bigger than I thought when I saw her in person. Embraer has offered the Millennium to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Program. The IAF currently operates an aging fleet of the Antonov An-32s, HS-748s, and limited numbers of Ilyushin IL-76s, C-130Js, and C-17 Globemasters. If selected, the C-390 will provide a huge boost to the IAF’s Transport Aircraft fleet. Brazilian Air Force’s KC-390 FAB2855 is seen here resting at the static display ramp on Day 2 of Aero India 2023, while her MTA competitor departs in the background.

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