Aircraft comparison Brazil’s KC-390 vs Japan’s Kawasaki C-2

The military cargo plane is a crucial component of any nation’s defense since it helps move the troops and the military equipment to the necessary locations. Such military cargo jets are now in demand from several nations.

In this article, we’ll take a look at two different aircraft: the Brazilian-built Embraer KC 390 and the Japanese-built Kawasaki C2. We will comprehend aircraft specifications and their best-possible flying and serving capabilities for military needs.

Brazils Embraer KC -390 

Embraer Aircraft, a Brazilian-based company with experience in the production of both private jets and commercial aircraft, is the manufacturer of the KC 390. A medium-sized twin-engine military transport aircraft, the KC 390. As of right now, it is the heaviest aircraft Embraer has ever produced.

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In order to identify the aircraft specifically, it was given a ‘Millennium’ name during the Dubai air show 2019. The Brazilian government has placed an order for 28 aircraft to replace the Brazilian Air Force‘s outdated C130s. These aircraft are also available on the global market. The Portuguese government is now evaluating the purchase of the aircraft.

This aircraft is a direct rival to the Lockheed Martin C130 and the Kawasaki, and it is ideal for multiple tasks.

Since this aircraft is being upgraded with a new avionics system that makes it even better, Embraer has experience in the aviation industry.

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the Government of Brazil ordered 28 C-390s with the intention of progressively replacing the Brazilian Air Force’s cargo aircraft fleet, including its C-130s. The first C-390 was officially delivered to the Brazilian Air Force on 4 September 2019. The fleet of C-390s will be operated from Anápolis Air Force Base by the 1st Troop Transportation Group (1º GTT) Zeus and in Rio de Janeiro by the 1st/1st GT Gordo. The C-390 has been marketed as a jet-powered alternative to the C-130 Hercules produced by Lockheed Martin. In April 2013, Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and the Czech Republic signed agreements for a total of 60 C-390s.

Japan’s Kawasaki C-2

It is a medium-sized, twin-turboprop, long-range, high-speed military transport aircraft designed and produced by Kawasaki Aerospace Company. The C-2 officially started working for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in June 2016.  In comparison with the older C-1 that it replaces, the C-2 can carry payloads up to four times heavier, such as MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and Mitsubishi H-60 helicopters. Between 2020 and 2030, Kawasaki said there would be a need for up to 100 freighters that could handle large loads. The Japanese Ministry of Defense declared the C-2’s development to be complete on March 27, 2017.

Maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 meters and a maximum payload of 37,600 kilogram Field Length for Takeoff at 141 Tonnes (310,851 lb) ability to travel on international flight routes. Two General Electric CF6-80C2K turbofan engines power the C-2. While the Kawasaki P-1 and the C-2’s fuselage share some components, the C-2’s fuselage is significantly larger allowing a huge internal cargo deck, which is equipped with an automated loading/unloading system to lessen the burden on humans and ground equipment.

According to reports, Kawasaki has been eager to sell the C-2 outside of the domestic market. The C-2 has few competitors on the global market because it is one of just a few production-level aircraft that can perform its duty in the strategic airlift role, together with the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Ilyushin Il-76. In 2021, the C-2 was promoted at the Dubai Airshow to interested countries, including the UAE.

KC390 and C2 aircraft Specification

• The C2 can transport 120 personnel, compared to the KC 390s 80.
• Additionally, KC 390 can hold up to 7 463 L pallets, whereas C2 can hold up to 8 463 L pallets.
• The Kawasaki C2 is 144 feet long, whereas the Embraer KC 390 is 115 feet long.
• The C2 has a wingspan of 145 feet, while the KC 390’s is 115 feet.
• The C2 is 46 feet 7 inches tall, while the Embraer has a height of 38 feet.
• Additionally, the C2 has a take-off weight of 141,400 kg compared to the KC 390’s maximum take-off weight of around 86,999 kg.
• The KC 390 can hold 23,000 kg of fuel, whereas the C2 can hold 34,523 kg.
• Two General Electric Cf6-80 turbofan engines, each capable of producing 265.7 kilotons of thrust, are used to power the Kawasaki C2.
• The IAE International Aero Engines powerplant that is used in the Embraer KC 390 can generate 139.4-kilo newtons of thrust from each engine.
• The Kawasaki C2 can travel at a top speed of about 920 km/h, whereas the Embraer C390 can travel at a top speed of 988 km/h.
• The Kawasaki C2 has a maximum range of 7,600 km (20 tonnes), while the Embraer KC 390 has a maximum range of 5,820 km (14 tonnes).
• The Kawaski C2 has an 8,500-kilometer ferry range, whereas the Embraer has a 9,800-kilometer range.
• The KC 390 can reach a height of 36,000 ft, whereas Kawaski C2 has a service ceiling of 43000 ft.
• There is an in-flight refueling system on each plane.

Conclusion :

Each aircraft is the pinnacle of its class and of technology. However, size does matter; the Kawasaki has a far greater range and cargo capacity than the KC 390 aircraft.
Comparing the two aircraft, the KC 390 is less expensive than the C2, making it more accessible to developing nations.

According to the most recent updates, the KC 390 will cost approximately $85 million, and the Kawasaki C2 will cost approximately $100 million.