Comparison of the Brazil’s Embraer KC-390 Vs Russian Ilyushin Il-276 cargo plane

Two cargo planes that look almost similar are now in the race for military aircraft contracts, One is built in Russia which is Ilyushin Il-276 and the other is a Brazilian-built KC 390 both are in the same category of aircraft with varied features and capacities. In this article, we will explore more about these aircraft.

IL 276

The Ilyushin Il-276 is a medium-lift military transport aircraft that is being developed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Ilyushin Aviation Complex. It is intended to replace the aging fleet of Soviet-era An-12 and An-26 transport planes and will be capable of carrying up to 20 tons of cargo or up to 90 troops.

The Il-276 is designed to operate in a wide range of conditions, including hot and high-altitude environments, and will feature modern avionics and engines for improved efficiency and reliability. It is expected to have a range of up to 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles) and a maximum speed of around 800 kilometers per hour (500 mph).

Development of the Il-276 began in 2016, and the first flight is expected to take place in 2023, with production beginning in 2025. The aircraft will be marketed both domestically and internationally and is expected to be used by the Russian military as well as by other countries in need of a reliable medium-lift transport plane.

KC 390

The Embraer KC-390 is a medium-sized military transport aircraft developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. It is designed to perform a variety of missions, including transport and airdrop of troops and cargo, air-to-air refueling, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and firefighting.

The KC-390 is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofan engines and has a maximum takeoff weight of 81,500 kilograms (179,700 pounds). It can carry up to 26 metric tons (57,000 pounds) of cargo, or up to 80 fully-equipped troops, and has a range of up to 2,730 nautical miles (5,056 kilometers) with a full payload.

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The aircraft has a modern cockpit with advanced avionics and fly-by-wire controls, which enhance safety and reduce pilot workload. It also has a self-defense system, including a radar warning receiver, a missile warning system, and chaff and flare dispensers.

The KC-390 made its maiden flight in 2015 and has since entered service with the Brazilian Air Force. It has also been ordered by the Portuguese Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force. The aircraft has been praised for its versatility and cost-effectiveness and is expected to compete with other medium-sized military transport aircraft, such as the Lockheed Martin C-130J and the Airbus A400M.

Features

Ilyushin has a length of 123 feet and a wingspan of 35.5 metres, whereas the KC 390 has a length of 115 feet and a wingspan of 35.05 metres. Moreover, the KC-390 has a ferry range of up to 8,500 km, whereas the Il-276 has a range of up to 7,500 km.

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The Il-276 is powered by two Aviadvigatel PD-14M  turbofan engines, which are currently under development. And KC-390 is powered by two International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-E5 turbofan engines. which is a popular choice for military transport aircraft, as well as commercial airliners, and is known for its high reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs.

Ilyushin can carry up to 70 to 150 passengers by enlarging the fuselage,  KC-390 depends on the configuration and seating arrangement chosen by the operator. In a typical troop transport configuration, it can carry up to 80 troops.

The Il-276 aircraft is still in development. However, some estimates suggest that the aircraft will have a maximum speed of around 870 km/h. Kc-390 is a transport aircraft, it is designed to operate at high speeds, and has a speed of 988 km/h.

As can be seen, both aircraft are competing for the Indian military aircraft order deal. Some of the Indian military’s aircraft are currently out of date due to the fleet’s age and the changing needs for capacity.