Embraer C-390 Millennium (ex-KC-390)

C-390 sales has been on a roll lately after a slow start. Reminds me of the Rafale.
but I guess this means that its also a nail in the coffin for KAI's MC-X project, as it seemed to be roughly the same size.. although slightly larger
I agree that it can be very bad news for MC-X; even their hometown choose C-390 instead of KAI's.

maybe MC-X is terminated, changed as C-390-30, or going to totally different size
 
but I guess this means that its also a nail in the coffin for KAI's MC-X project, as it seemed to be roughly the same size.. although slightly larger
But I thought South Korea is aiming for an indigenous design?
I agree that it can be very bad news for MC-X; even their hometown choose C-390 instead of KAI's.

maybe MC-X is terminated, changed as C-390-30, or going to totally different size

MC-X has never been an official programme of record to begin with. It was a KAI proposal. Also, it was never meant to fulfill the demands of this recent ROKAF programme (Large Transport Aircraft-II programme) but was envisioned to be a long-term project.

Now, if you ask me about the plausibility of MC-X materializing, I should agree that it is low, and to be frank, the odds were never in KAI's favour to begin with imo.

We'll see how a possible cooperation with Embraer will pan out. They were known to be very interested in participating in possible Korean indigenous transport porgramme, but with their recent sales to KSA I'd expect that they'd not be that eager any more.
 
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Any ideas as to what the KAI transporter looked like? If it was the same size as the C-390 then I could see why it was cancled, two cargo lifters in the same size catagory would mean that there is too much competition. Embraer have had a head start with the C-390 and have already had several export orders confirmed.
 
Congrats! C-390 order activity is really picking up pace recently, good to see. As for Korea, if they've decided to buy off-the-shelf in this size-class, I don't think an indigenous effort for something larger (with smaller markets both domestic and export) is in the cards. Might be a potential second chance for the A400M - they are already an Airbus Military customer.
 
That is the best idea for South Korea, obviously they have decided to go of the shelf C-390 instead of trying to build an equivalent transporter.
 
Any ideas as to what the KAI transporter looked like? If it was the same size as the C-390 then I could see why it was cancled, two cargo lifters in the same size catagory would mean that there is too much competition. Embraer have had a head start with the C-390 and have already had several export orders confirmed.
3.-KAI-MC-X-multirole-cargo-transport-concept-model-JR-Ng-scaled.jpg
 
MC-X has never been an official programme of record to begin with. It was a KAI proposal. Also, it was never meant to fulfill the demands of this recent ROKAF programme (Large Transport Aircraft-II programme but was envisioned to be a long-term project.

Now, if you ask me about the plausibility of MC-X materializing, I should agree that it is low, and to be frank, the odds were never in KAI's favour to begin with imo.

We'll see how a possible cooperation with Embraer will pan out. They were known to be very interested in participating in possible Korean indigenous transport porgramme, but with their recent sales to KSA I'd expect that they'd not be that eager any more.
MC-X might be an idea if it's C-5/C-17 sized.
 
It depends on what the Republic of Korean AirForce wants in the future, whether or not it needs such a large transport aircraft to begin with.
 
That is the best idea for South Korea, obviously they have decided to go of the shelf C-390 instead of trying to build an equivalent transporter.
As I've wrote directly above your post, that's not how it is planned out.

Might be a potential second chance for the A400M - they are already an Airbus Military customer.
Atlas was part of the bid and lost to Millenium.
 
Any ideas as to what the KAI transporter looked like? If it was the same size as the C-390 then I could see why it was cancled, two cargo lifters in the same size catagory would mean that there is too much competition. Embraer have had a head start with the C-390 and have already had several export orders confirmed.
As for Korea, if they've decided to buy off-the-shelf in this size-class, I don't think an indigenous effort for something larger (with smaller markets both domestic and export) is in the cards.
MC-X might be an idea if it's C-5/C-17 sized.
MC-X slots right in between C-130J-30/C-390 and C-2/A400M size. Comparison charts and graphics courtsey Seaseadam (https://blog.naver.com/seaseadam/223269340516)
 

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MC-X slots right in between C-130J-30/C-390 and C-2/A400M size. Comparison charts and graphics courtsey Seaseadam (https://blog.naver.com/seaseadam/223269340516)
That's... Unfortunate. The US is going to have to replace C-5s at some point, probably in the early 2030s. KAI having a design for a 4-engine monster could put them in a good position for the C-5 replacement contract.
 
There’s no way the US would contract that to a foreign country.
I also have some doubts that KAI being able to produce a C-5 4-engined replacement without significant help externally.

KAI thus far only has a plan for a two engined aircraft slightly larger than the C-390.. and certainly much smaller than the C-17, let alone the C-5.
 
True, it'd probably have to be built in the US. Doesn't mean that it couldn't be a foreign design.

Technically perhaps no, practically there is no possible way that will ever happen for several political reasons. And perhaps a couple of practical military ones on top.
 
Technically perhaps no, practically there is no possible way that will ever happen for several political reasons. And perhaps a couple of practical military ones on top.
T-45 Goshawk is an adjusted foreign design, designed by foreign company and majority manufactured in said foreign country. Then there is the B-57 too...
 
If it ever happens in the US, it will be via Boeing, thanks to the joint marketing deal. Does that change your opinion?
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for this.

 
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for this.


I knew about the JV implosion, but it looks like the joint marketing agreement may have lapsed recently as well. So maybe BAE instead of Boeing? (This agreement is for the Middle East. No idea who is in charge of marketing it to North America or the US.) Still a super long shot though.

 
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Embraer could launch a maritime patrol variant of its C-390 Millennium under a new pact with the Brazilian Air Force to study potential surveillance roles for the jet-powered transport.
Sources (German & English): https://www.flugrevue.de/militaer/b...lt-embraer-die-c-390-zum-u-boot-jaeger-um-v1/
 

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from link above

Austria plans to acquire four C-390s to replace its costly-to-maintain C-130Ks, with an estimated cost per unit ranging between 130 and 150 million euros. The first deliveries are expected by 2026. The C-390 was selected for its superior transport capabilities, capable of carrying Black Hawk helicopters or light tanks such as the Pandur Evo.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands intends to purchase five C-390s, thereby increasing its annual flight capacity from 2,400 to 4,000 hours. This expansion is justified by recent operational needs such as the 2021 evacuations from Afghanistan and increased demands on Europe's eastern flank.
 
Austria and Netherland finalize their joint discussion with Embraer for 9 C-390:

Deliveries to the Netherlands had initially been slated for 2026 but will now happen a year later. Last month, Dutch Defense Secretary Christophe Van der Maat said that the country's joint agreement with Austria means the first delivery will now take place sometime in late 2027. After this, its four remaining C-390s will all be delivered before the end of the decade.

c-390 signing ceremony fia 2024

Photo: Embraer
On the plus side, sealing a joint deal will enable both countries to benefit from a lower acquisition cost per plane. Both air forces will also closely collaborate on training and logistics and be perfectly positioned to partner with other NATO C-390 operators - this currently includes Portugal, operator of the first NATO-configured C-390, while Hungary and the Czech Republic have also lodged orders for the plane.

 
Just asking a dumbarse question - what advantages does it bring, compared to the all-ubiquitous C-130J ? I mean, everybody and his dog seems pleased with the C-130 since 60 years or more...
 

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