Aerospace
Comparison of the Embraer KC-390 Vs the Lockheed Martin C-130J cargo plane.
In this article, we going to compare the Embraer KC 390 and Lockheed Martin C130j, Both aircraft are majority used for military transport purposes. 130J was introduced in the year 1999 and the Embraer KC 390 in 2019, it is the largest aircraft ever built by Embraer.
The KC-390 was meant to compete with the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules on the military tactical air lifter market, and it provides stiff competition for its American counterpart. When compared to the C-130J, the KC-390 is predicted to be 15% faster, carry 18% greater cargo, and cost 41% less to purchase.
Despite having a 15% lower range than the C-130J, the KC-390 includes aerial refueling as a standard feature (only a few specialized sub-variants of the C-130 have an aerial refueling capability).
Lockheed Martin C-130J
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, which was introduced in 1999 and has four turboprop engines, is mostly used as a military transport aircraft. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, which originates from US states, has received a full upgrade with the C-130J that contains new engines, a flying deck, and other equipment.
The C-130J is the only model of the C-130 Hercules that is currently produced. Recently in March 2022, the 500 C-130J aircraft were delivered to 26 operators in 22 different countries.
The Royal Air Force [RAF] of the United Kingdom has given it to launch the J-model. Before delivery might occur, Lockheed Martin’s contracts with some future customers, including the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force, were pursued.
This has to be done to speed up the sale of the military and commercial versions of the aircraft. Lockheed Martin had spent over US$900 million in development costs for the C-130J.
The USAF and USMC have made extensive use of the Super Hercules in Iraq and Afghanistan. Moreover, Canada has sent CC-130J planes to Afghanistan. Over 1 million flight hours have been recorded by C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from 13 different countries.
A self-contained unit that can be loaded, the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) is used for aerial firefighting . That can be loaded onto a C-130 Hercules, which then allows the aircraft to be used as an air tanker against wildfires.
The United States Air Force is currently the largest operator of the C-130J, having placed increasing quantities of orders for the aircraft. 500 units had been created overall as of March 2022.
It operates in many nations, like Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia… It can carry 92 passengers and has a maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 lb (70,307 kg).
KC390
The EMBRAER KC-390 took to the skies for the first time in 2015. The first deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force were supposed to commence in 2016. Despite the fact that these plans have been postponed until 2018,
The horizontal stabilizer is installed on top of the vertical stabilizer in an “all-flying tail” T-shaped layout on military cargo aircraft. The cargo hold can hold up to three cars, each weighing up to 23 metric tonnes.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft. It was made by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and it has a carrying load capacity of 26 tons [57000 Ib].
The aircraft can be designed to accomplish a variety of traditional operations, including troop, VIP, and cargo transportation, as well as more specialized logistical operations, like aerial refueling as a tanker. It is the company’s heaviest airplane to date.
The first production aircraft was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force on 4 September 2019. During the Dubai Airshow, Embraer announced the aircraft’s new name for the global market, C-390 Millennium.
Embraer intended to use the closed-loop fly-by-wire, synthetic vision, and rear ramp of the mature Embraer 190 (E190) aircraft along with its wing and GE CF34 engine to power a cargo hold cabin. With a rear ramp for loading and unloading a variety of cargo, the transport aircraft will combine many of the technological innovations featured in the Embraer E-Jet family series.
Based on the initial development of the aircraft, the Brazilian government expected to invest roughly US$33 million. The development and construction of two prototypes will cost Embraer $1.5 billion.
By 2014, seven different countries had ordered a total of 68 KC-390s. Argentina has six, Brazil has twenty-eight, Chile has six, Colombia has twelve, the Czech Republic has two, and Portugal has one (5-6).
In addition to the aircraft already ordered, the Brazilian military intends to purchase another 100. France also intended to buy 12 KC-390s. Embraer offered KC 390 aircraft to India, which is currently served by Russian-built AN 32, IL76, Boeing C17, and C130J Hercules.
C130J
It is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
The First flight was introduced in 1996.
It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
National origins from the United States.
In May 1998, Lockheed had spent over US$900 million in development costs for the C-130J.
The C-130J’s cargo compartment is approximately 41 feet (12.5 m) long, 9 feet (2.74 m) high, and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide, and loading is from the rear of the fuselage.
It operates in many countries like Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
KC390
It is a twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft.
The First Flight was introduced in 2019.
It is manufactured by Embraer Defense Security.
National origins from Brazil.
On 14 April 2009, Embraer was awarded with a $1.5 billion contract to develop and build two prototypes
Embraer built the C-390 around the 18.5 m (61 ft) long, 3.45 m (11.3 ft) wide, and 2.95 m (9 ft 8 in) high hold with a rear ramp.
It operates in some countries like Brazil, Hungary, Netherlands and Portugal.
Aerospace
Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?
The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.
The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.
On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.
When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.
One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility
Aerospace
China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.
The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.
It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.
To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.
Aerospace
Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped
In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.
This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).
The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.
Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.
Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.
The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.