The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively considering Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium tactical air transport aircraft for their medium transport aircraft needs. From February 10 to 14, the company will display the KC-390 Millennium at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore.
Transporting and dropping troops and cargo, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions are just a few of the vital tasks that the KC-390 is built to accomplish. It can run on dirt, gravel, and packed earth runways that are temporary or unpaved. The aircraft has proven its ability to refuel aerially as a tanker and a receiver, and it is equipped with air-to-air refueling equipment.
Compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, the KC-390 can carry a larger payload (26 tons), travel farther, and do so at a faster speed (470 knots). The KC-390 has proven to be incredibly productive and has a high mission completion rate since joining the Brazilian Air Force in 2019.
The KC-390 meets the operational needs at high altitudes in the northern sector of India since it is certified to operate from an altitude of 14,000 feet. It lowers overall operating costs and time on the ground by requiring fewer on-demand inspections and maintenance.
In order to work with the Indian Air Force and create an industrialization strategy for the KC-390 project, Embraer and Mahindra have announced their partnership.
Air-to-air refueling (AAR) capabilities of the KC-390 Millennium increase combat effectiveness by increasing the endurance, payload, or range of aircraft that receive the refueling. At altitudes between 2,000 and 32,000 feet and speeds between 120 and 300 KCAS, it can refuel both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Additionally, the KC-390 can forward operating bases on the ground or refuel vehicles.
The KC-390 transfers fuel to aircraft with compatible probes by means of wing pods that release hoses fitted with drogues.
Up to 400 US GPM (1,500 L per minute) of fuel can be transferred per pod.
Both a tanker (KC-390) and a receiver aircraft can be set up for aerial refueling. Refueling is done by the pilot as a receiver with little contact with the tanker.
The KC-390 can increase its fuel offload capacity by using roll-on/roll-off auxiliary fuel tanks that are mounted in the fuselage. The aircraft has a total fuel capacity of 35 tons.
When not required for receiver refueling, the refueling probe can be taken out.
Aerial refueling, search and rescue, medical evacuation, cargo and troop transport, firefighting, and humanitarian aid are just a few of the many tasks that the KC-390 is built to accomplish. This adaptability fits in nicely with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) varied requirements.
The KC-390 can fly on unpaved or temporary runways, such as gravel, packed earth, or soil. Additionally, it can function in challenging conditions like hot climates and high altitudes. For India’s operational needs in a variety of terrains, including high-altitude regions, this is especially crucial.
The KC-390 has a high top speed of 470 knots and can carry a sizable payload of up to 26 tons. Compared to other medium-sized military cargo aircraft, it can also fly farther.
Since joining the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the KC-390 has proven to have high mission capability and completion rates. Its mission completion rate exceeds 99%, and its mission capability rate is 93%.
The KC-390 has sophisticated fly-by-wire technology installed.
Enhancement of Military Proficiency Embraer’s aircraft is a serious contender in India’s future procurement plans as the country looks to improve its logistical and strategic mobility.
