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2014-05-01

Sky’s The Limit For KC390

Embraer’s KC-390 is one of the most talked-about and anticipated aircraft in the world. The prototype is being built and it won’t be long before the real deal takes to the skies. Potential customers abound for the multi-mission aircraft. So what’s so special about the KC-390? GERALDO GOMES, Senior Vice-President, Business Development Embraer Defense & Security, explains all in a wide-ranging interview with Nation Shield

By: Sakha Pramod

What is the current status of the KC-390 development program?

We are in a very exciting phase of the development as we are now building the prototype. We are seeing the aircraft taking shape as a real airplane to be able to fly soon. The program is on track and we have reached all milestones. The prototype is being assembled in our industrial facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, and we are working to a plan to fly the prototype by the end of this year. On top of that, Embraer has started negotiations with the Brazilian Air Force to sign the serial production contract for 28 aircraft this year.

What are its key features in terms of performance, cargo, capacity, flexibility and life-cycle costs?

The KC-390 is a truly multi-mission aircraft capable of performing the following missions: transport and airdrop of troops and cargo, special forces infiltration/exfiltration, search and rescue, firefighting, medical evacuation and aerial refueling for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and more.

The KC-390 is equipped with a modern cargo handling system, capable of transporting heavy combat vehicles up to 26 tons. The unobstructed cargo compartment provides room for up to seven standard pallets and several combinations of cargo and troops. This cargo capacity is coupled with an outstanding aircraft performance, displaying cruise speed in excess of 470 knots, or Mach 0.8, short field operations capability, and a rugged design that withstands operations in semi-prepared and damaged runways as well as harsh environments. The outcome is an aircraft that offers unmatched mobility, delivering more cargo, much faster, anywhere, and, therefore, requiring fewer aircraft to accomplish the mission, as well as flying more missions using the same number of flight hours when compared to turboprop aircraft.

Proven commercial of the shelf components used in key systems, a modern structure design philosophy and an advanced on-board maintenance system are some of the design features that will provide the KC-390 with a higher operational availability and reduced life-cycle cost.

What are the technology features that bring added value for a military operation?

The KC-390 flight deck state-of-the-art technology provides outstanding human-machine interface and reduced crew workload, featuring a last generation integrated avionic system and full fly-by-wire flight controls. This allows a greater focus from the crew on the mission and a flight envelope protection even in specific military type operations.

When is KC-390 scheduled to fly and enter service?

The first KC-390 prototype is currently being assembled with the first flight expected in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The proven record of commercial and military programs gives us the confidence to say that everything is on track for first delivery and full operational capability n 2016.

What are the initial estimates of the potential market for KC-390?

Embraer market analysis shows that the addressable market for this category is more than 700 aircraft in more than 70 countries. A large number of previous generation medium airlift aircraft are getting close to the end of their service life and the current operators will certainly look for solutions developed that offer a true evolution of their inventory. Based on the differentiated capability, new embedded technology and the positive market reception we expect the KC-390 to take the majority of the confirmed opportunities.

Sweden reportedly agreed to buy KC-390 as part of an offset deal to buy 36 Gripen fighter jets produced by Swedish company Saab AB. What is the current status of this deal?

Certainly the outstanding KC-390 performance and innovative design criteria can meet and exceed the Swedish Air Force requirements as well as other European armed forces. Embraer maintains an open dialogue with some European countries, including Sweden, in order to raise the interest on the KC-390. We are confident that a positive outcome may be achieved and, if so, Sweden and other European nations will join the Czech Republic and Portugal as future KC-390 operators. Early in the project, these two countries decided to partner with Embraer in the development and production of the KC-390. Aside from that both countries have signed Letters of Intent to purchase the KC-390. So did Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

Canada is also said to be among your potential clients. Recently Embraer said its new KC-390 “represents the most up-to-date and capable solution to respond to the very demanding Canandian requirements”. What is the response?

Embraer strongly believes that the KC-390 is the most capable solution to whichever customer looking for the most technologically and versatile aircraft. Regarding the FWSAR, or fixed wing search and rescue program we believe the KC-390 is the right and most affordable solution due to the aircraft’s design characteristics, speed and low life-cycle costs. The KC-390 has been developed from the scratch to perform search and rescue missions. We are closely following the Canadian needs and will support their program if given such opportunity.

Boeing is the lead for KC-390 sales, sustainability and training opportunities in select markets. How successful have you been in the Middle East?

The KC-390 marketing and sales campaign has already been initiated and based on the very positive market reaction we expect to have operators from the Middle East region among the first customers of this new Embraer aircraft. In the design of the KC-390 special consideration was given to operations in harsh environments, including very hot weather, by use of the latest technology available. The interest shown is now confirming that the solutions chosen are meeting the expectations of the operators in the region. We strongly believe the KC-390 can very much satisfy the needs and requirements of Middle Eastern countries. Its state-of-the-art development criteria makes this product a unique and most advanced aircraft in its category setting a new standard in the medium airlift global market.

Has the association with Boeing opened up markets with the US military?

The KC-390 is setting new standards in the medium airlift range of aircraft that most certainly will meet future operational needs of the United States military. Unlike what we have seen in the past, in which the approach was to have several versions of a basic platform to accomplish different missions, the multi-mission design of the KC-390 is based on a single platform capable to perform a wide range of missions. This path chosen by Embraer brings significant benefits in terms of direct operating costs, life-cycle costs, crew training as well as configuration management and maintenance that certainly will not go unnoticed by the US Armed Forces. The recent selection of Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer by the US Air Force, under a competition process, was the recognition of the quality and capability of Embraer solutions.

To what extent is the KC-390 a cheaper, more efficient challenge to cmpetitors?

The Embraer KC-390 is a new generation military airlift aircraft, developed to establish new standards in efficiency in medium lift, presenting at the same time the smallest life-cycle cost in its category. KC-390´s improved efficiency compared to its competitors is the result of an unmatched mobility - delivering more cargo, much faster - combined with a DNA that brings embedded flexibility to perform a wide variety of missions using the same aircraft.

It is a 21st century aircraft program development which is using the most advanced engineering tools, process, materials and over 40 years of Embraer expertise to reach superior fleet reliability and availability rates with longer inspection intervals and reduced maintenance downtimes.

Have you sounded out the market at IDEX and Dubai Airshow for the aircraft? If so, what was the response?

IDEX and the Dubai Airshow are very important events in the Middle East market where Embraer has a growing presence with a very positive outcome for the marketing of Embraer products. This is also true for the KC-390 that has received a strong interest among several Air Forces at these venues. The air forces today are looking for disruptive solutions able to provide an edge on their operation capability with new design and technology. This is what the KC-390 will bring to their inventory.

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