A VERSATILE BIRD FROM BRAZIL

The C-390 is the largest, heaviest and most complex military aircraft designed, developed and produced by Embraer and it signifies the level of aerospace technology that Embraer has achieved

- AIR MARSHAL B.K. PANDEY (RETD)

HISTORICALLY, DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIUM AND HEAVY-LIFT military transport aircraft had generally been confined to the aerospace industry of the United States (US), Russia and Europe. However, in April 2007, the Brazilian aerospace major Embraer, declared its intention to develop its first twin-engine, medium-lift military transport aircraft. In March 2008, the Government of Brazil came forward to assist the initial development programme with an investment of about $33 million. Two months later, the Brazilian Congress released $440 million for the development of the aircraft.

BACKGROUND

Prior to this proposed venture, in the1970s and early 1980s, Embraer that had been established in 1969, produced highly successful small size military aircraft for basic and advanced stages of training such as the Embraer AT-26 Xavante jet trainer and the Embraer EMB 312 Tucano turboprop trainer. The company also produced the A-29 Super Tucano, a light attack and close air support aircraft. In the large aircraft category, Embraer had produced airplanes for the civil aviation industry beginning in 1985 with the EMB Brasilia. Meant largely for the export market, this aircraft was the first in a series of highly successful small and regional airliners. Later, Embraer had produced several models of the E-Jets for civil aviation that have been and are being utilised for regional aviation across the world. The largest in the family of E-Jets is the E-190 that is capable of airlifting payload of 13 tonnes. Since its establishment in 1969, to date, Embraer has delivered a variety of aircraft with the total number being in the region of 9,000.

PLAN TO DEVELOP THE C-390