STOL Aircraft

[buglerbilly]

Start of a new series..............first up PAC's 750 XSTOL...........

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Kiwi XSTOL Solution for USAF Light Mobility Aircraft?

Posted by Guy Norris at 3/25/2010 2:46 PM CDT

L-3 Platform Integration and New Zealand utility aircraft maker Pacific Aerospace Ltd (PAL), have teamed to offer a militarized variant of the P-750 Extremely Short Take-Off and Landing (XSTOL) for the USAF Light Mobility Aircraft (LiMA) competition. Although no formal RFP is thought to have yet been issued, the LiMA request for information unveiled in mid-2009 called for the capability to operate with up to 1,800 lb of passengers and cargo from unimproved, austere landing surfaces. The single-engined P-750 is expected to face stiff competition from the high-wing Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, of which several are now operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other potential challengers include the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 and EADS CASA C-212. Judging by the PAL video, the P-750 certainly appears to be qualified for this kind of work. See for yourself….
(Video - PAL/YouTube)



SkyDiving Truck............

[buglerbilly]

As Graham Warwick points out this aircraft has an interesting history: -

Graham Warwick wrote:

Okay, let's see if I have the lineage of this aircraft right. It starts with the...

- Fletcher FD-25, a US-designed single-seat COIN aircraft that flew in 1951 and led to the...

- Fletcher FU-24, a scaled-up agricultural aircraft built in New Zealand by Air Parts from 1996-92, which led to the...

- Pacific Aerospace (PAC) Cresco, a larger turboprop-powered derivative that flew in 1979 and led to the...

- PAC 750XL, a larger derivative of the Cresco orginally designed for the US skydiving market, which flew in 2001 and is now called the...

- PAL P-750 XSTOL.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:26/03/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Cessna Caravan leads race for Afghan airlift contract

By Stephen Trimble

A US Air Force contract for a fixed-wing light mobility aircraft (LiMA) has attracted interest from companies based in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, but each faces a tough challenge to overcome a homegrown favourite.

The Cessna 208 Grand Caravan is widely considered the USAF's first choice for the contract to supply up to 60 aircraft to the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

The USAF officially notified industry about the LiMA requirement in July, with entry into service beginning in Fiscal 2012.

Meanwhile, Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has already delivered at least 11 Cessna 208s for delivery to the Iraq Air Force under a separate contract awarded by the USAF. As of November, ATK's deliveries included five trainers, three reconnaissance aircraft equipped with the L-3 Wescam MX-15 sensor and three strike aircraft each loaded with two Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.



For the Afghan contract, it's not clear if the USAF wants more than a cargo aircraft. The capability request for information issued on 27 July says the selected aircraft would perform a variety of missions, including carrying cargo and personnel, airdrop and casualty evacuation.

Cessna confirms that it has responded to the USAF's request for information, but declines to offer details about its bid.

L-3 Communications has teamed with New Zealand-based Pacific Aerospace Ltd to offer the P-750 extremely short takeoff and landing (XSTOL), a low-wing aircraft with a 244m (800ft) takeoff roll.

"The P-750 stacks up pretty well" against the Caravan, a L-3 spokesman said, adding, "in terms of its short takeoff and landing capability, as well as its cost". L-3 declined to identify the P-750's actual cost.

Another acknowledged competitor is the EADS CASA 212, a twin-engine turboprop. Although the CASA 212 is a much larger aircraft than the Caravan, the company believes it can persuade the USAF that it needs a more capable aircraft.

More companies, such as Sikorsky and Hawker Beechcraft, have also registered as interested bidders with the USAF.

The opportunity to sell aircraft to the Afghans also has attracted interest from companies that have not yet entered production on new designs. These include Stavatti Heavy Industries and Explorer Aircraft.

[buglerbilly]

Alenia Aeronautica: the first two C-27J Spartan aircraft for the Romanian Air Forces land in Bucharest

4/12/2010

Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, has performed the Ferry Flight to the Romanian Air Forces of the first two of seven C-27J tactical transport aircraft ordered in December 2007.The C-27Js, which will replace the existing Antonov aircraft, landed today at the 90th Transport Air Base at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport, where the handing over ceremony took place. The event was attended by Major General Ion-Aurel Stanciu, Chief of the Romanian Air Forces, and Giuseppe Giordo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alenia North America Inc. and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Alenia Aeronautica.

The C-27J aircraft will be brought into service immediately and a complex process of advanced training of the Romanian crews and technical staff will start, accompanied by the integration, customization and testing of the specific military systems.

Alenia Aeronautica will offer full assistance and logistic support to the customer, providing spare parts, aircraft maintenance equipment, advanced pilot training (including loadmasters and maintenance staff) and technical documentation.

The new C-27Js will be operated by the Romanian Air Force for transporting troops, goods and medicines, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), dropping paratroopers, search and rescue, logistic re-supply and humanitarian assistance.

The C-27J is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft with state-of-the-art technology in avionics, as well as in its propulsion system and other onboard systems. The aircraft boasts excellent operational flexibility and unique characteristics of interoperability with the superior class transport aircraft deployed by the air forces of several NATO countries, thanks to its large cargo cabin NATO standard cross-section.

The aircraft has been ordered by Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Morocco (the first non-NATO customer) and the US. It has also been selected by Slovakia.

The C-27J predecessor is the G.222 that is still operational within many Air Forces among which: Nigerian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Ejercito Argentino, US Department of State, Italian Air Force (in the electronic warfare VS version), also thanks to the efficiency of the logistic support provided by Alenia Aeronautica. Alenia Aeronautica has also signed in September 2008 a contract with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for 18 refurbished G.222 tactical transport aircraft, which will equip the re-constituted Afghan Air Force (Afghanistan National Army Air Corps - ANAAC).

[buglerbilly]

DATE:13/05/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Embraer reveals KC-390 schedule, design changes

By Stephen Trimble

A new document posted online illuminates Embraer's master schedule for the KC-390 military transport and tanker aircraft and reveals changes compared with a previous version of the design.

The schedule, dated March 2010, reveals a fast-paced programme nearing the end of the preliminary design phase in mid-year, with initial operational capability promised five years later.

The preliminary design phase will be followed by a year-long initial definition phase, during which windtunnel testing will complete. Loads and structures calculation efforts are also launched during this phase.

A one-year, joint definition phase is scheduled to start in mid-2011, with a preliminary design review set for early 2012. With a supply chain established by mid-2011, Embraer to start developing tooling early during this phase, and begin releasing engineering drawings.

Starting in mid-2012, the KC-390 project will enter a four-year detailed design and certification phase. A critical design review is scheduled for early 2013, allowing Embraer to freeze the configuration. The first prototype aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2014, with a second prototype delivered shortly afterward.

The KC-390 project formally was launched in April 2007. Two years later, the Brazilian air force signed a contract to launch the programme, which will replace the service's 30 ageing Lockheed Martin C-130s.

So far, Embraer has developed a mock-up of the KC-390 cargo compartment to make volumetric checks, the Embraer briefing says.

The aircraft is being designed to carry a 19t cargo load up to 2,685km (1,450nm).

A three-view slide included in the briefing shows how the configuration has evolved. A previous three-view drawing distributed at trade shows a slightly smaller aircraft. The wingspan has grown in the new design from just over 33.9m (110ft) to just over 35m and length has increased from 33.4m to 33.9m. The height at the top of a T-tail has declined from 11.4m to just under 10.7m (previous design pictured below). The cargo box size is not listed in the new briefing, but was previously described as 3.35m wide by 2.9m tall.


© Embraer

Embraer projects the C-130 replacement market for the KC-390 includes up to 700 aircraft worth more than $50 billion. At the same time, the aircraft introduces new design skills for Embraer, including a rear cargo ramp, military transport certification and aerial refuelling capability.

The Embraer presentation describes the programme as "running on schedule, geared-up for full-scale development and also for selection of the main partners".

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

NZ's P-750 XSTOL Shows Light Lift Paces in US

Posted by Graham Warwick at 5/26/2010 10:18 AM CDT

"What's that airplane?" is the most common reaction when L-3 Communications and Pacific Aerospace bring the P-750 XSTOL to a US airfield. The New Zealand-built aircraft is an unusual sight, although there are 12 used as skydiving platforms in the US.

It is also a pretty unusual aircraft with its big, thick wing turning upwards at the tips; the powerful PT6A turboprop that looks grafted on; and the surprisingly sporty cockpit with its center-stick controls and gull-wing doors.


Photos: Pacific Aerospace

Team-mates L-3 and PAC have brought the P-750 to the US to introduce potential customers to the little-known, but highly capable utility aircraft. Potential customers include the US Air Force, which has released a draft RFP for "basic trainer/light lift" aircraft to be supplied to the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

The New Zealand-registered P-750 was at Tipton Airport, near Ft Meade, Md., yesterday (May 24) between visiting Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, Ill., and Naval Air Systems Command at NAS Patuxent River, Md. XSTOL means "extreme short take-off and landing" and was clearly demonstrated in flights at Tipton.

I did not fly (my excuse - recovering from back surgery), but watched as the aircraft took off within a couple of hundred feet, climbed like an elevator, circled round to make a steep approach to an equally short landing, backed up the runway on reverse propeller pitch and did it all again.

The P-750 competes with the much better known Cessna Caravan, but is lighter, faster, has a more powerful engine, and carries a heavier payload from a shorter runway, PAC says. The aircraft is designed to take off and land within 800ft with a 4,000lb payload.

Acting as US prime, L-3 says it is working to promote the P-750 "by word of mouth" through showing the aircraft to potential customers. Beyond the USAF, the company believes several US agencies could have niche requirements for small numbers of aircraft.

The P-750 design has it roots in an agricultural aircraft that makes hundreds of take-offs and landings a day, spreading fertilizer on New Zealand hillsides. If the US wants a robust utility machine for Afghanistan and other partner nations - it's well worth looking at.



A bit of history and where it comes from....................


Locum wrote:

The P-750 is a development of the Fletcher Cresco, which in turn is developed out of the Fletcher FD-25 Defender. A STOL COIN aircraft from 1951!

Very rugged and reliable, easy to fly, maintain & repair. These aircraft have proved they can operate in mountainous area from grass strips or narrow dirt roads. In Afghanistan; the P-750 can act as light attack / recon / medivac and transport plane and costs less than USD 1000 per flight hour.

A cheap solution for the helicopter shortage.

5/26/2010 2:27 PM CDT

jetcal1 wrote:

Designed by Thorp who also did Piper Cherokee with Fred Weick of Ercoupe fame.

5/26/2010 3:36 PM CDT

[buglerbilly]

DATE:03/06/10

SOURCE:Flight International

C-212 assembly set for Indonesian shift

By Craig Hoyle

Future assembly of the C-212 light transport is likely to move to Indonesia as part of an Airbus Military initiative to reduce the type's unit cost and allow its Spanish facilities to be dedicated to producing the larger CN-235 and C-295 models.

"The question is: can we find an industrial arrangement on which we can continue to produce this aircraft in a very competitive way," says Airbus Military managing director Domingo Ureña.

"We are working with our colleagues in Indonesia to see how we can jointly offer this product to the market," he reveals. Airbus Military has a long-standing partnership with Indonesian Aerospace on the CN-235, and Ureña says "an agreement has been reached" to extend this to also include assembly of the C-212.

Ureña believes the C-212 can continue to meet requirements for operators in regions such as Asia Pacific, but says: "We need to be able to offer a cheap price. I hope in the short- to medium-term to go back to the market and say that we have the solution."


© Airbus Military
Future assembly of the C-212 light transport is likely to move to Indonesia

Airbus Military is close to concluding a deal with Thailand for an undisclosed number of C-212s configured for fisheries protection duties. The company has also been selected to provide Vietnam with five, although a contract has yet to be signed.

Developed initially for the Spanish air force and first flown in 1971, more than 480 C-212s have been ordered. It is now offered in its -400 production standard, a configuration that is less than 10 years old.

Meanwhile, senior vice-president commercial Antonio Rodriguez-Barberán says Airbus Military is also "starting to consider not a replacement for the C-212, but a re-engineering of the aircraft to make it more modern".

Airbus Military delivers around 24 CN-235s and C-295s a year from its San Pablo site near Seville, Spain, but has not yet produced the C-212 on its new assembly line.

The company is believed to have initiated early studies on the development of a larger successor for both the CN-235 and C-295, but officially says that it is in no rush to replace the types.

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Air Force orders 8 C-27J aircraft from Finmeccanica

By TOM KINGTON

Published: 7 Jun 2010 19:19

Alenia North America, a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica, has received a $319 million order from the U.S. Air Force for eight C-27J tactical transport aircraft, bringing to 21 to total number now ordered by the U.S. Air Force and Army.

The aircraft will be delivered during 2012 to L-3, Finmeccanica's partner on the program, Finmeccanica said in a statement. The 21 aircraft now ordered by the U.S. are worth $812 million, the firm added.

Finmeccanica said the U.S. military's 2011 budget, now in Congress, also contains $351 million for a further eight C-27J orders.

Separately, Finmeccanica-owned U.S defense electronics firm DRS Technologies has signed a teaming agreement with Boeing to work on Boeing's U.S. tanker offering, the firm said June 7.

DRS will work with Boeing on console design and manufacture the Aerial Refueling Operating Station for the aircraft, should Boeing win the contest.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Antonov Unveils New Military Transport

Posted by M Pyadushkin at 6/10/2010 9:34 AM CDT

Ukraine’s Anotnov aircraft designer plans to introduce a military transport version of its brand-new An-158 regional jet that made its first flight at the end of April. The new transport, dubbed An-178, will have a payload of 15 tons and is intended to replace the aging fleet of An-12 transports, said Dmitry Kiva, president and general designer of Antonov Group, at ILA 2010.

The new aircraft is expected to have a range of 1,200 km with full load and 3,200 km with a 10 tons load. According to Kiva, An-178 can be a cheap solution as it will use many components -- wing, tail fins and cockpit -- from An-158 aircraft, but will add a large cargo compartment with a ramp door.


An-178 will differ from An-158 (on the picture) with large fuselage and a ramp cargo door (Credit: Antonov)

The first prototype can be ready in two years. The new Antonov aircraft can rival Russia’s MTA transport aircraft program in India. This transport aircraft with an 18 ton payload has been in development for almost 10 years, but the program still faces serious delays. Kiva mentioned that Antonov is already in talks with the Indian side on its possible involvement in the An-178 program.

[buglerbilly]

Slipping Through the Net

SOCOM Seeks New Airlifter To Penetrate Advanced Defenses

By JOHN REED

Published: 14 June 2010

Despite U.S. Special Operations Command's push to replace its decades-old aircraft fleet with new versions of old designs, clandestine operations likely will require a new airframe to perform covert infiltrations in the face of 21st century air defenses.

To this end, top special operations officials are starting to flesh out what such a craft will look like. While the current fleet of special ops airframes is derived from venerable troop transport planes and helicopters designed in the mid- to late 20th century, such as the C-130 Hercules and CH-47 Chinook, a custom-designed aircraft built for delivering troops on clandestine missions may become necessary, said Michael Vickers, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for special operations, said earlier this year.

The reason, he said, is the rise in advanced air defense systems being developed and sold by Russia and China to nations throughout the world. These systems are capable of defeating all but the latest in stealth technology.

The Pentagon's 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) emphasized expanding the number of special operations ground troops, and the 2010 QDR called for a corresponding buildup in special ops airlifters. However, the 2006 document only focused on replacing the decades-old MC-130E and P fleet of airlifters with the new J-model MC-130 to fly under enemy radar and deliver special operations troops to clandestine location.

While these planes feature terrain-following radar and advanced countermeasures, they have a fundamentally unstealthy design dating to the 1950s. The Pentagon will likely look "pretty hard" at this issue in the 2014 QDR, according to Vickers, who acknowledged that such an aircraft would be expensive.

One expert, however, said the command will have a difficult time securing the massive funding needed to develop a special ops-specific stealth airlifter.

SOCOM "is purchasing smaller aircraft to fly low and stealthy, and unless they get a whole lot of development cash for an all-new airplane, that's probably the way to go," said Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with Teal Group, Fairfax, Va. "In terms of actually buying some super-secret, penetrating, stealth transport, that's where the budget just runs out."

The command historically has relied on existing technology, both military and civilian, and investing in high-tech modifications to customize it for demanding missions, rather than pouring millions or billions of dollars into developing special ops-specific aircraft.

SOCOM has "never been able to fund their own SOCOM-specific airplane," Aboulafia said. "The idea of starting with something that would be extremely expensive to develop, that's unlikely."

Aboulafia pointed out that in the past few years, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the U.S. Air Force's contribution to SOCOM, has begun investing heavily in small single- and twin-engine planes, sometimes painted in civilian livery such as the Pilatus PC-12. These aircraft are being purchased to deliver special operations troops around the world without drawing the attention that the four-engine C-130 would garner.

In many cases, these aircraft, some of which are based on old Soviet designs such as the Polish-built M28 Skytruck, can be parked on foreign airport ramps without giving away the U.S. presence, according to AFSOC officials. The command has even contemplated buying twin-engine deHavilland Canada Dash-8 turboprops to haul troops around the world.

The Dash-8 style aircraft could be used to transport special ops troops and gear to a main staging area in far-off regions, while the smaller planes could fly the troops on missions into primitive airstrips or through sensitive airspace under what AFSOC officials have described as a hub-and-spoke system.

Using such small aircraft while developing more advanced tactics to evade radars will likely be the key to overcoming enemy defenses while slipping special operations troops into unfriendly countries.

"In the littoral area, that's why we have SEAL delivery systems; inland, well, you'll just have to find ways to fly below the radar or between gaps in coverage," the analyst said.

One possible alternative would be for the command to partner with the Air Force to develop a new generation of stealthy transport aircraft, similar to the way it did with the V-22 Osprey, used by the U.S. Marine Corps and AFSOC, Aboulafia suggested.

Still, "I'm not so sure why the Air Force would pay for that," he added. ■

E-mail: jreed@defensenews.com.

[buglerbilly]

KC-390 Engine Choice Proves Complicated

Jun 18, 2010

By Robert Wall

PARIS — The upheaval in the narrowbody commercial engine market currently playing out is having ripple effects in the military domain and complicating Embraer’s efforts to pick a powerplant for its KC-390 tanker/transport.

Embraer is looking for an engine in the 29,000-lb.-thrust class to power the 33.92 meter-long, 35.05 meter-wingspan military aircraft now in its early design phase. The Brazilian aircraft maker was looking at the CFM International CFM56 and the International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500, but Orlando Neto, the company’s executive vice president for the defense market, says the issue is no longer so straightforward.

With CFM International now focused on the Leap-X design for the Comac C919 and other applications, and the long-term future of the V2500 production line potentially in doubt because of differences on the road ahead between IAE consortium members Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, Embraer is reassessing what it wants to do. As part of that, Embraer is exploring whether it needs to shift its focus on the Leap-X offering and the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan.

The concern is not so much about the near-term KC-390 development phase. However, Neto says the Embraer aircraft is supposed to be in production for a long time, and the company does not want to pick an engine that will be out of production for commercial purposes 10 years from now.

The decision is also key because the selected engine maker would be one of the main risk-sharing partners on the development endeavor.

The reassessment comes as Embraer is shifting from the preliminary design to the initial definition phase under the $1.3 billion development program signed with the Brazilian government in April 2009. This is where major risk-sharing partners are slated to be brought onboard. Embraer already has held exploratory discussions with potential partners. Most of that activity is due to wrap up by May 2011.

Afterward, the focus will shift to birthing the aircraft. The KC-390’s preliminary design review is due in the second half of 2011, followed by critical design review in 2012-2013. Production would begin in 2013.

Embraer already has delivered a cargo compartment mockup to the Brazilian defense ministry, as well as an engineering simulator.

Neto notes the door remains open to foreign partners, although that would have to come with a commitment to acquire the aircraft too. So far there are no production customers for the KC-390. The contract with Brazil, to date, only covers building two prototypes; an actual series production contract remains to be worked out. The number of aircraft Brazil would buy also remains unclear, but Neto expects the total to be in the high 20s or low 30s.

France has indicated it would take a dozen KC-390s as part of the country’s effort to convince Brazil to pick the Dassault Rafale in the F-X2 fighter competition, for which the Boeing F/A-18E/F and Saab Gripen also are vying.

[Deks]

France has indicated it would take a dozen KC-390s as part of the country’s effort to convince Brazil to pick the Dassault Rafale in the F-X2 fighter competition, for which the Boeing F/A-18E/F and Saab Gripen also are vying.

Interesting. Could tip the field into the Rafale's favor in spite of it's lesser capability and greater cost. That being said, the French are probably more open to technology transfer than the US ever will be.

[buglerbilly]

Scott Agencies Join to Test New Airframe

(Source: U.S Air Force; issued June 18, 2010)

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --- More than 20 Airmen from Scott Air Force Base continued production qualification testing on the C-27J Spartan here June 8 and 9.

The C-27J was originally an Army development program until April 2009 when Defense Secretary Robert Gates shifted the program to the Air Force. As such, Air Force-specific procedures for how to operate the aircraft must be created, which is where these tests came in.

The C-27J boasts shorter landing and takeoff capabilities which allow the airframe to fly into austere areas that do not have the necessary infrastructure to handle the Air Force's larger aircraft. The airframe will significantly enhance the Air Force's capabilities to evacuate wounded servicemembers out of dangerous environments.

It was these aeromedical evacuation capabilities that were tested at Scott AFB last week - namely the capability to quickly and safely evacuate ambulatory and littered patients in the event of an emergency.

During the tests, aeromedical evacuation members performed timed evacuations of all patients and aircrew through all doors, including one of the emergency escape hatches on the top of the airframe.

The tests were a precursor to the Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation which will take place later this summer. The MOT&E determines the capabilities of the airframe in an operational environment.

"We gathered data so aeromedical evacuation training regulations and operating instructions for the aircraft can be written," said Master Sgt. Michael Baker, a test director from the Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Once the results of the observation have been recorded, "those publications will be standardized for use by aeromedical evacuation crews Air Force wide, when they evacuate patients on the C-27J," he said.

An electromagnetic interference evaluation of the aeromedical evacuation equipment was also performed to ensure its operation does not interfere with any aircraft equipment, said John Rehkop, a member of the AMC Test and Evaluation office.

"At the conclusion of this effort, the Army will determine if the system is airworthy in preparation for the MOT&E," he said.

During the MOT&E, operational aeromedical evacuation aircrew will configure the aircraft for an aeromedical evacuation mission and fly it in an operationally realistic environment.

Though this testing went late into the night June 8, the long day was well worth it, said Capt. John Camacho, a 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse instructor and test participant.

"It was a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it's an important effort to help make sure that our wounded warriors get the help they need when they need it and bring them back home," he said.

This is the second time Scott AFB members have assisted in tests for the C-27J.

In late February, aeromedical evacuation technicians went through several patient-carrying configurations on the aircraft to optimize patient-carrying capabilities.

Four configurations of passenger seating and litters were developed as a result of these tests.

The airframe's shorter landing and takeoff capabilities will also enable supplies to be delivered closer to their destination point, saving lives of warfighters by reducing the need for ground convoys in dangerous areas.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Boeing Eyes Narrower C-17

Posted by Robert Wall at 6/21/2010 10:58 AM CDT

I don't understand the need to narrow the body when ALL indicators are that we need WIDER fuselages.................

Boeing plans to provide more detail on its C-17FE concept at Farnborough.

The “FE,” for fuel efficient, would have a narrower fuselage by several feet than the aircraft now in production. It also would involve lightening of the structure through use of composites, says Tommy Dunehew, Boeing’s C-17 business development representative.

The goal is to meet the nominal Joint Future Theater Lift program. The concept "is fairly advanced," with the same engines, tails, and wing, Dunehew says.

The Army and Air Force would impact the design as requirements would evolve. But the goal is to meet 99% of the JFTL requirement with the C-17FE.

The concept effectively supplants the C-17B concept.

[Gubler, A.]

I don't understand the need to narrow the body when ALL indicators are that we need WIDER fuselages.................

Wider fuselages for C-103s, A400Ms, etc but the C-17 is pretty wide. Most cargo loads can be loaded dual track. A narrow fuselage is all about drastic reduction in drag and fuel burn meaning cheaper to fly and longer ranged.

[buglerbilly]

Wider fuselages for C-103s, A400Ms, etc but the C-17 is pretty wide. Most cargo loads can be loaded dual track. A narrow fuselage is all about drastic reduction in drag and fuel burn meaning cheaper to fly and longer ranged.

Understood BUT replacing the engines with more modern types would achieve the same at lower fuel burn, higher cruise, better longevity and ease of maintenance through a more modern approach..............narrowing the fuselage is one route but I'd challenge not necessarily the most effective.

[Chunder]

Most of the C-17's inefficiencies arise from it's designed requirements. Strip the need to fly MBT's around and or alter the comparative short field capabilities and you get a different looking aircraft. It's a short bus with comparative no streamlining to speak of. There have been some papers lurking about, that whilst the US uses them for strategic lift, in Afghanistan they prefer them to shuttle from Manas, or ship to the Persian Gulf (then c-17 them out to the ghan), with C-5's & 747's the go (despite costs) for stateside to manas. There are of course quite a few exceptions, like emergency supplies needed at short notice. There are 2 c-17 flight lines at Bagram, and a shit load of fuel that needs to be bought in.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Patent Lifts Veil on Boeing's Speed Agile

Posted by Graham Warwick at 7/2/2010 9:02 AM CDT

I am researching something on future airlifters and wanted artwork on the stealthy super-STOL tactical transport Boeing windtunnel tested under the US Air Force Research Laboratory's Speed Agile program. I asked Boeing if they had a releasable image. No, they said. I asked AFRL. No, said they. So there I was passing the time browsing the US Patent and Trademark Office website and what do I find but this:


Source: USPTO

The patent is here and it's Speed Agile, or close to it based on the one image of a 2008 windtunnel model that I do have, from a presentation by the Boeing program manager at an AIAA conference.


Photo: Boeing

Speed Agile involved low- and high-speed windtunnel tests of a stealthy airlifter concept that could take off in 1,500ft and cruise at Mach 0.8. Usually STOL aircraft aren't that fast. Boeing's design achieves this "speed agility" using a "propulsive wing" - engines embedded in the wing exhaust throught slots at the trailing edge to provide lift as well as thrust.


Source: USPTO

Speed Agile is part of studies into a potential C-130 replacement once called AMC-X, then the Advanced Joint Air Combat System (AJACS), but now morphed into the Air Force/Army Joint Future Heavy Lift. AFRL says Lockheed Martin is now building models of its design for low- and high-speed windtunnel testing. Lockheed has previously shown what could be their Speed Agile concept.


Source: AFRL

[Unicorn]

Looks like a modernised version of some of the Russian erakoplan designs.

Different application of course, but similar principles.

Unicorn

[Gubler, A.]

Looks like a modernised version of some of the Russian erakoplan designs.

Different application of course, but similar principles.

Not in the slightest mate.

Ekranoplans or ground effect vehicles (GEV) have very conventional wings which are used to trap pockets of air between them and a surface which combined with the lift thrust of the wing enables flight with much less propulsive thrust than outside ground effect. Of course the downside being most Ekranoplans are limited to in ground effect (IGE) flight only. Many Ekranoplans have engines located in front of the wing directing thrust below the wing to help generate a ground effect bubble at the slower speeds of takeoff and landing. These engines are then turned off for IGE cruise.

The Speed Agile concept has been around for a while and utilizes exhaust from a turbine that provides thrust to also reenergize the airflow over the wing to provide enhanced lift by the wing. In this case positioning the engine above the wing and the exhausts onto the trailing edge of the wing. This is application is perhaps best known in the An-72/74 Cheburashka (NATO: COALER) STOL aircraft.

[Deks]

Personally I thought it looked like a B2 with a tail to support the lengthened (or added?) fuselage. :)

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Senators Back Purchase Of More C-27s

By KATE BRANNEN

Published: 8 Jul 2010 17:47

The Joint Cargo Aircraft C-27J program was restructured more than a year ago, but Congress is still raising questions about the Pentagon's plans to reduce the number of aircraft and transfer the Army program and the mission it supports to the Air Force.

In a July 7 letter to the secretaries of the Army and the Air Force, Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Christopher Bond, R-Mo., recommend the Pentagon buy more C-27Js in coming years. The senators serve as co-chairmen of the Senate National Guard Caucus.

In last year's budget, the Pentagon reduced the total planned C-27J purchase from 78 aircraft to 38. It also took the "joint" out of Joint Cargo Aircraft by making the program solely Air Force, rather than Army-Air Force. The mission for which the aircraft was intended - time-sensitive cargo delivery - also shifted to the Air Force.

"The reduction in the total C-27 program presents challenges both for the future of Defense Department air mobility as well as personnel in the Army who have been trained to fly the airplanes," the senators write.

In the Army, the C-27J was intended to replace the service's fleet of C-23 Sherpa aircraft. The planes still fly missions in Iraq, but are unable to fly in Afghanistan because they are not pressurized. The Army is still determining its schedule for divesting its fleet of C-23s now that it is not getting the C-27J.

Bond and Leahy ask what the Pentagon plans to do with the C-23s.

"Will the C-27 and C-23 serve side-by-side?" the senators ask. "If the latter, what analysis led the Department to conclude that the C-23, once judged obsolete, is an airframe worthy of retaining in the force in lieu of purchasing new C-27s?"

The two senators also want to know what the Pentagon plans to do with the Army personnel who have been trained to support the C-27J mission.

Following approval of the 2010 budget, the Air Force was required by law to submit a report outlining its plans for the C-27J program. In that report, the Air Force said a specific plan of action regarding the personnel issue had not yet been developed.

"The [Air National Guard] welcomes any Army personnel to apply for transition to [Air National Guard] positions, and we do anticipate that [Army National Guard] will non-concur on any transfer action," the Air Force report said.

Bond and Leahy want more information on the Air Force's plan.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:13/07/10

SOURCE:Flight International

FARNBOROUGH: Embraer confident of success with KC-390 airlifter

By Andrew Doyle

Embraer comes to the 2010 Farnborough air show with development work well under way on its biggest and most ambitious project to date - the KC-390 tactical transport. The Brazilian manufacturer is using the show to step up its hunt for new customers, as well as strategic industrial partners and suppliers.

Currently in the initial definition phase, the aircraft is being developed under a Brazilian air force contract worth $1.3 billion, signed in April 2009. Embraer has its work cut out to convince sceptics that it can develop the aircraft to specification for such a relatively paltry sum, while avoiding engineering problems of the kind which beset Airbus Military's A400M.

The Brazilian air force contract calls for the construction and certification of two KC-390 prototypes, plus associated production tooling.

"With that amount of money, we will be conceiving, developing, designing and producing two prototypes, and having the tooling to certify those two prototypes to Part 25 and having all the tooling and assembly jigs ready for production," says Orlando Neto, Embraer executive vice-president defence market. He adds that series production is not included in the contract.


© Embraer
Embraer believes its KC-390 offers capacity and cost advantages over rival tankers

The air force is expected to eventually order around 30 production KC-390s, designed to support a multitude of roles including humanitarian missions, rapid mobilisation, special forces operations, air dropping of paratroops, air-to-air refuelling, airborne cargo delivery, medical evacuation, search and rescue and even firefighting.

Conceived as a jet-powered replacement for the Lockheed Martin C-130, the KC-390 is designed to be operated from semi-prepared airstrips with holes up to 40cm (15.7in) deep, and will also be used to support the Brazilian air force's operations in Antarctica.

"Antarctica was one of the critical tasks that dimensioned the aircraft in the end," says Neto.

The KC-390 is configured to carry a payload of 19t, cruising at Mach 0.8 at an altitude of 36,000ft (11,000m). It will accommodate 23.4t of fuel in its wing tanks and carry an additional 14t of fuel in the air-to-air refuelling role. The fuselage will withstand a pressure differential of 0.52bar (7.6lb/in2), which Neto says will provide a "very comfortable environment for soldiers, for this type of aircraft". He adds that the KC-390 will carry "in excess" of 64 parachutists or 80 soldiers.

"It is designed to be superior to the C-130," says Neto. "The Brazilian air force could have purchased the C-130J, but this aircraft will do more for less, so that's the challenge we have ahead of us. It's as simple as that. We have a contract to produce a product that will do that job."

The KC-390's cargo deck will be 17.8m long, 3.45m wide and 2.9m high (uninterrupted by the wing box). On a ferry flight the aircraft is designed to fly 3,350nm (6,200km), or 1,450nm with its maximum 19t payload. Maximum fuel and an 11t payload gives a range of 2,800nm.

Neto says the KC-390 has to be jet powered because, given the size of the country that the Brazilian air force is charged with defending, "it has to be fast". However the air force also insists that the aircraft be able to take off or land wherever a C-130 can.

"It will land and take off from airfields that are two classes below the C-130J and [Airbus Military] C-295," says Neto.

Despite having a huge amount of airspace to patrol, the Brazilian air force constantly grapples with a tight procurement budget, and Neto says this could work in Embraer's favour when it comes to addressing export markets.


© Embraer

"If there is one thing that Embraer Defense is blessed with, it's to have the Brazilian air force as a customer," says Neto. "They are very creative people with a small pocket and a big mission. That means that you have to be creative.

"Look at the Bandeirante, the Tucano, the Super Tucano, look at all the products we have developed for them. The ERJ-145 ISR was initially invented for surveillance of the Amazon. They were made to be affordable. With this in hand, you have a good chance of having export success."

Neto sees a conservative potential market for the KC-390 of 700 units (a figure which discounts the possibility, for example, of making a sale to the US Air Force), out of a global C-130 replacement market of 2,800 aircraft.

"This is a product that puts us in a new league," says Neto. "Geopolitics can play a big part pro and against us of course, but we are pretty comfortable that this is a highly addressable market for this type of product."




The fly-by-wire KC-390 has 52% more wing area than Embraer's current largest product - the 190/195 airliner. Its maximum take-off weight of 72t is 40% higher than that of the E-195.

"We are just finalising the preliminary design phase as we speak," says Neto. "Then will come the initial definition phase, the joint definition phase, the detailed design, and building and certification of the prototypes.

"The initial definition phase is where suppliers and strategic partners will be defined and put on board, because they need to be here for the joint definition phase. Now is the time up until May next in which we'll be seeing movement in terms of suppliers and strategic partners being announced."

Neto says Embraer is open to a foreign government - and that country's local industry - participating in the programme, with the agreement of Brasilia.

"They will be more than welcome to come, provided that the non-recurring costs that are embedded into this $1.3 billion contract are taken from Brazil and taken to them for them to spend.

"We want as many strategic partners as possible, because to be on board you have to take the non-recurring costs and you have to commit to buy the KC-390 in the future.


© Embraer

"If there is a decision for an air force and a local industry to participate, that is a government-to-government decision. Purchase of the KC-390 is at the air force level and participation of the local industry in doing part of the job is at the industrial level. A handful of countries would be fine."

Metal for the first KC-390 is due to be cut by mid-2013. The initial prototype is scheduled to emerge in mid-2014, with the certification campaign getting under way in the third quarter of that year.

The requirement for the as-yet unselected engine is "more than 25,000lb [110kN] and less than 30,000lb thrust", says Neto. "We're in discussions with the engine manufacturers. The idea is to have as much proven technology as possible. We're not reinventing the wheel here."

The French government has indicated its willingness to purchase 12 KC-390s if Brazil selects the Dassault Rafale for its F-X2 fighter contest.

"We do see opportunities for the C-390 in France, period," says Neto. "If somebody wants to tie those things together, we'll I'm not tying anything together. You don't buy something you don't need."

Sweden has also made a similar pledge, linked to its offer of the Gripen NG.

The Brazilian air force is looking for "high 20s or low 30s" in terms of number of aircraft, including air-to-air refuelling variants.

"We have completed the final subsonic test of the preliminary design phase, in Holland," says Neto. "We finished the preliminary design phase with a product that we are pretty much confident is robust, complies with the mission it is being designed for, and will be very simple in terms of systems, and to operate."

Three workshops with air forces (similar in format to the airline advisory boards formed by Embraer for its new airliner programmes) have been held, one for general configuration, one focused on the cargo compartment, and one for the maintenance of the aircraft.

The KC-390 has been designed to offer a high level of survivability. "The distribution of systems through the aircraft has to be designed in such a way to ensure the aircraft has the level of survivability necessary for it to do the mission," he says.

Neto is confident that the KC-390 programme will not suffer similar difficulties to those encountered in Europe with the larger A400M.

"This is one product to be developed to fulfil a certain specified mission for one customer," says Neto. "That keeps things very, very straightforward.

"To develop this programme we will have to overcome technical difficulties, learn a few things that we don't know for sure, but that's part of the challenge. We don't want to develop technology out of this, we want to get the aircraft serving the requirements of the Brazilian air force at the end of the development phase.

"Mitigating the risk means having a customer, a contract to get the plane, which will come with its challenges, but no extra technology. We want to be safe because the application and the requirements are there."

[buglerbilly]

Brazilian Air Force Commits To 28 KC-390s

Jul 21, 2010



By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com
FARNBOROUGH

The Brazilian air force has made an initial purchase commitment to the Embraer KC-390 military airlifter, with the goal of fielding the aircraft starting in 2016.

The Brazilian government had previously only agreed to fund the development of the KC-390 and build two prototypes. The service plans to replace its entire fleet of C-130s with KC-390s eventually, says Brazilian air force chief of staff Lt. Gen. Juniti Saito, without saying what the total inventory objective is.

The formal contract is to be signed in the next two years, Embraer CEO Frederico Curado says. Getting the agreement in principle with the Brazilian air force now helps Embraer in its discussions to bring other countries and potential partners onboard the program.

The tanker/transports, which also would be used for other roles such as search and rescue, will be based at Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, and a third, to-be-determined location in the central-western part of the country.

Meanwhile, Embraer’s vice president for military activities, Orlando Netto, says the design studies so far undertaken indicate the maximum payload capability has increased to 23 metric tons from 19 metric tons, with a range of 1,400 naut. mi.

Embraer eyes a production rate of 18-20 KC-390s per year.

Credit: Embraer

[Deks]

Good to hear about the payload, though I'm surprised the range is so low; the C-130 is capable of going much further.

Are turboprops inherently more efficient than turbofans?

edit: That must be with the payload, Embraer says the ferry range is something like 3300nmi.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:21/07/10

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

FARNBOROUGH: Lockheed prepares for KC-390 competition

By Siva Govindasamy

Lockheed Martin sees the Embraer KC-390 as a potentially serious competitor to its C-130J, but it adds that there are still many questions to be answered about the Brazilian aircraft.

Embraer, which aims to deliver the first prototype to the Brazilian air force in 2014, wants to get into the lucrative military transport market with the type. That would put it in contention against the C-130J, which it is most similar to in terms of payload and operational capability, as well as the Airbus Military A400M and Boeing C-17.

"We have to remember that the C-130J is a proven aircraft. It is capable, with its new powerplant and avionics, to meet the strategic needs and tactical needs around the world," says Ross Reynolds, Lockheed's vice-president for C-130 programmes.


© Embraer

"Of course, we see the KC-390 as a competitor. But the key question that Embraer has to answer is how capable really is the aircraft? We still don't know. The C-130J can go into dirt, for example. It is still to be determined if the KC-390 can do that, and it is capabilities like that which make the C-130J stand out."

Looking ahead, Reynolds says that Lockheed anticipates "good demand" for the C-130J in the coming years. The current backlog stands at 99 aircraft, but he says that there is likely to be additional orders from existing and new customers.

"We believe that there will be another 150 orders within the USA and another 100 internationally over the next 10 years," he adds. "The US Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Forest Service are all potential customers, while internationally we are looking at interest in the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia.

Part of the C-130J's appeal, he adds, is that Lockheed has been upgrading and modifying the aircraft since its inception several decades ago. This has kept it relevant to current market requirements and that effort will continue, he adds.

"We are constantly looking at ways to improve the aircraft. One thing we are looking at is roll-on, roll-off capability. The flexibility of the platform allows us to transit to different missions and that is something we are looking at," says Reynolds.

[buglerbilly]

Business Aviation Now

Civil Air Patrol Shows ISR-fitted Airvan at Oshkosh

Posted by John Morris at 7/28/2010 2:43 AM CDT

While the crowds walk past the Civil Air Patrol’s Gippsland Aerospace GA-8 Airvan, few would notice anything remarkable except that the company now is owned by the Mahindra Group of India.

But if one lays flat on one’s back and looks at the underside, there is a clear panel shielding a hyperspectral camera for its Space Computer Corp ARCHER software system that turns the dumpy-looking Airvan into a most useful search and surveillance aircraft.

ARCHER stands for Airborne Real Time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance, and the manufacturer says this software platform is the world’s first fully operational large-scale deployment of hyperspectral imaging technology. It is also, it says, the first hyperspectral imaging system to incorporate real-time geo-registration of HSI data, meaning it can precisely locate what it is looking at. Hyperspectral imaging works by analyzing an object’s reflected light.



ARCHER in turn allows CAP flight crews to program an object’s spectral signature into the onboard computer.

Although primarily intended for enhanced search and rescue capabilities, CAP has found many additional uses for ARCHER, including missions for homeland security, disaster assessment, and drug interdiction.

With its real-time imagery processing, ARCHER plots the ground area swept by the sensors on to a handheld tablet PC. The tablet PC is designated ARCHER Total Recon Awareness Control, or ARCHER TRAC, and it is a mission navigation and tracking tool that helps the pilot and crew ensure that imagery data has been collected from the entire mission search area. Key waypoints and search grids are easily programmed into ARCHER TRAC. The ground area that has been swept by the ARCHER sensors is then superimposed on a standard aviation sectional map. So the system ensures that none of the search area is missed.

The data can be utilized in the aircraft, or streamed live to a ground station.

The CAP will eventually take delivery of 25 Airvans as equipment becomes available.

[buglerbilly]

179th Airlift Wing Holds Conversion Ceremony For New C-27J

originally posted on: 8/16/2010 10:16:41 AM





U.S. Senators George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown were among many dignitaries at the Ohio National Guard base at Mansfield Lahm Airport over the weekend to celebrate the 179th Airlift Wing's new mission.

A conversion ceremony was held for the guard changing from the C-130 Hercules to the C-27J Spartan aircraft.

The 179th Airlift Wing is the first unit to convert to C-27J operations.

The C-27J was developed by Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems in Marietta, Georgia.

C-27J

The primary roles of the C-27J are cargo transport, troop transport and material and paratroop air drop. Other missions include maritime patrol, tactical operations, medical evacuation, ground refuelling, fire-fighting and aerial spraying. It is made by Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture between L-3 Communications and Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS), which is a joint venture company set up by Lockheed Martin and Finmeccanica subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica.

Extremely maneuverable and versatile, the rugged C-27J boasts highest in its class power-to-weight ratio, and the ability to perform fighter aircraft-like, 3.0g force maneuvers - enabling it to make tight turns, and climb and descend quickly.

The C-27J has been purchased by NATO and coalition countries Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. In addition, Canada is slated to buy 15 C-27Js, Greece 12, Portugal 10, and the Czech Republic 4. Other countries are also reportedly evaluating the aircraft.

The Spartan is the only aircraft in its class that is capable of carrying standard NATO 463L pallets (3.5), up to two uparmoured HMMWVs and heavy, dense loads such as aircraft engines and ammunition. The C-27J can carry over 5,000 lbs more cargo than its competition, has a max cruise speed of 325 ktas, and has significantly better landing and take-off characteristics in any environment than its competition, making it the most capable, low risk, aircraft available to support the warfighter.

Unlike other twin engine cargo aircraft in this class, the C-27J boasts interoperability with both CH/MH-47s and larger, intratheatre lift aircraft such as the C-130s. This interoperability means the C-27J can play an effective and flexible role in supporting the soldiers the last tactical mile. Whether that is flying pre-configured pallets for the Chinooks from one fire base to another, or taking larger, critical loads directly off C-130s directly to the warfighter, the C-27J has the capability to get the job done.

Cargo Capacity

The C-27J offers significantly more capability than any other aircraft in its class. Equipped with floor strength greater than that of a C-130 Hercules, the C-27J has capacity for 3.5 463L standard stateside-configured pallets or 25,000 lbs of bulk cargo equipment.

The C-27J can also carry vehicles comfortably in the rear of the aircraft:

2 up-armored, combat ready HMMWVs

BV-206S Armored All-Terrain Vehicle

M119A1-105 mm Towed Howitzer

OH-58 helicopter, or a LAV-V100.

All vehicles can be driven or winched on and off the aircraft via a hydraulically operated rear-loading ramp and the aircraft can offload vehicles quickly while taking fire.

Material Airdrop:
the C-27J Spartan can airdrop up to19,842 lbs of material (CDS bundles, single, two and three platforms (HCU-6/E), LAPES)

Logistics Resupply:
Palletized loads, up-armoured HMMWVs, wheeled equipment, aircraft engines, and small helicopters can be transported by the C-27J. The C-27J Spartan features the unique capability to vary cargo floor height and continuously adjust altitude ensuring easy loading and unloading of large volume, high density payloads without ground support equipment and easy drive in/out of vehicles, enabling immediate operability.

Troop Movement:
The C-27J can transport up to 68 soldiers (military standard seats), plus a load master.

Paratroop Airdropping:
46 paratroops can jump simultaneously out of both side jump doors or use the rear cargo door.

Medevac:
Its capability to operate from extremely short, unprepared runways, and its capacity for up to 36 standard NATO liters and 6 attendants make the C-27J a deployable complement to existing medevac assets.

Humanitarian Assistance and Homeland Security Missions:
With mission modules for maritime and electronic surveillance, search and rescue, firefighting and VIP transport, the C-27J is a truly versatile and capable intra-theater airlifter.

Courtesy www.air-attack.com

[JimWH]

When's the First and Second pass for the 'bou replacement? Is it next year, or am I imagining that?

[buglerbilly]

Didn't the first pass happen when I was a young man still and before my two marriages/relationships?

It bloody feels that long.............half a lifetime ago! :razz :razz

[buglerbilly]

Chile Declares Its Intention of Participating Jointly with Brazil in the Development of a Transport Aircraft

(Source: Chilean Ministry of Defence; issued Aug. 24, 2010)

(Issued in Spanish only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)


Chile will buy six Embraer KC-390s and will join Brazil in developing the aircraft, hoping to be assigned the production of a major component. (Embraer illustration)

The defense ministers of Chile and Brazil, Jaime Ravinet and Nelson Jobim, respectively, today signed a Declaration of Intent for the participation of our country in the development of the KC-390 military transport aircraft, which is carried out by the Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer.

Bilateral negotiations will define the terms and conditions of this participation, which will be implemented through the national aeronautics company, ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica), as stated in the declaration.

The document was signed by ministers during a visit to the facilities of the Chilean aerospace company this morning.

Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim said the project is relevant to both countries and that "there will be an integration for the construction of an aircraft that will be of major significance for the future,” as it will have a very large market when it becomes available just as the American C-130 Hercules reaches the end of its life."

The Brazilian state secretary added that ENAER was selected because "Chile has the capacity, expertise and know-how of other EMBRAER aircraft, like the Legacy, the Phenom, and the EMB-145. You will have a lot of work on that, "he said.

"We would like the project to develop, because it will bring a very important flow of technology to ENAER," stated Minister Jaime Ravinet.

The Chilean defense minister said that, along with providing job opportunities to our industry, participation in this project will "make us full partners with EMBRAER in the manufacture of aircraft for the world market."

"EMBRAER has achieved high levels of excellence and have been very large contractors and parts and these words will take on greater significance as we will make a substantial component, such as the fuselage and the ramp of the aircraft, and that's a huge challenge for ENAER that we hope to successfully meet, "he added.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the ministers is part of the good trade relations between the governments of Chile and Brazil, and of the sustained, long-term relationship between ENAER and EMBRAER since the beginning of the 90s.

Chile's participation in this program would increase Chilean capabilities in engineering and production of parts as well as contribute to the growth of the aviation industry in our country.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: In an earlier statement, the Chilean minister said that his country could participate in the training of Brazilian crews and support personnel of the future Scorpene submarines, similar to the boats already operated by the Chilean Navy.

(ends)

Embraer Reveals Discussions on A Partnership with Chilean Aeronautics Industry for the KC-390

(Source: Embraer; issued Aug. 24, 2010)

Chile’s Air Force declares its intention to acquire six of the military transport jets

SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil --- Embraer took part in a ceremony, today, in Santiago, Chile, where the Brazilian and Chilean Defense Ministers signed a Declaration of Intention for that country’s participation in the program of the KC-390 military transport jet.

Based on this agreement, Chile’s National Aeronautical Enterprise (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica – ENAER) becomes engaged in the discussions about the development of the airplane and in supplying part of its structure. The declaration also marks the beginning of negotiations regarding the future acquisition of six KC-390 aircraft to equip the Chilean Air Force (FACH).

“We recently received an unmistakable show of support for the KC-390 from the Brazilian government, with the declaration of intention for an initial acquisition of 28 of the aircraft by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). We are very pleased to have Chile join is in this program,” said Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. “We have an excellent relationship with ENAER, and we hope to see it grow even more via this partnership that not only reveals the high regard of the Chilean government for the KC-390, which we consider to be a winning product, but also shows our mutual interest in integrating the defense industrial bases of both countries.”

The successful partnership between Brazil and Chile dates back to the ‘90s, when ENAER began to stand out as a supplier of structures for the 50-seat ERJ 145 regional jet, manufactured by Embraer. In 2008, the FACH ordered 12 Super Tucano airplanes by Embraer for pilot tactical training missions, all of which have been delivered and are in operation.

“We are very pleased and proud to see that the quality of the work done by our personnel is being recognized, thus allowing use to participate in this new and relevant program for producing an aircraft like the KC-390,” stated ENAER’s CEO, General Pedro Bascuñan.

“Participating in the project brings benefits not only to Embraer and ENAER, but also to both nations, by generating jobs and boosting industrial development. The possibility of working together on the KC-390 program comes as an important alternative for stimulating the manufacture of aeronautical structures in our facilities. We are grateful for the interest shown by Embraer in working with us, every time they begin developing new aircraft, whether civilian, commercial, or military.”

Last July, at the Farnborough International Air Show, in England, Embraer and the FAB announced the intent of the Brazilian government to make an initial purchase of 28 KC-390 jets to renew the Air Force fleet. The agreement released today marks a new phase in the relationship between the two nations and between Embraer and ENAER.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the United States. On June 30, 2010, Embraer had a workforce of 16,781 employees – not counting the employees of its partly owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 15.2 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:01/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Chile enters talks on joining Embraer KC-390 programme

By Stephen Trimble

Chile has become the first country other than Brazil to formally launch negotiations over acquiring and helping to build the Embraer KC-390 tanker/transport.

A declaration of intent signed by the Brazilian and Chilean defence ministers on 24 August launches negotiations over industrial participation and a future order of six aircraft, Embraer says.

The announcement in Santiago comes a month after the Brazilian air force signed a letter of intent to buy at least 28 KC-390s, with deliveries starting in 2016.

Although falling short of a formal order, Embraer credited Chile's agreement as an "unmistakable show of support" in the jet-powered airlifter.


© Embraer
Chile has expressed interest in acquiring six KC-390s

Discussions will now begin between Embraer and Chile's state-owned Enaer aerospace company over industrial participation. Enaer is already a structural supplier for the Embraer ERJ-145, which is nearing the end of production.

Embraer is continuing to evaluate potential partners and suppliers for the KC-390 programme. For example, the company still has not identified an engine supplier. Images of design concepts have shown both a CFM International CFM56 and International Aero Engines V2500.

In the past, Brazilian government officials have identified Chile, Colombia, Portugal and South Africa as prospective partners on the KC-390.

As the launch customer, the Brazilian air force plans to buy KC-390s to replace its Lockheed Martin C-130s.

Chile previously signalled its intent to acquire three Airbus Military A400Ms by signing a memorandum of understanding in 2005, but subsequently withdrew from the programme.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:01/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Colombia formalises Embraer KC-390 interest

By John Croft

Colombian officials have signed a declaration of intent with Brazil to take part in the development and production of the Embraer KC-390 military tanker/transport as well as to purchase 12 aircraft.

Along with similar arrangements in Chile, which could purchase six aircraft for the Chilean Air Force, and internal interest in Brazil for 28 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2016, Embraer's potential order count is up to 46 of the twin-jets. The airframer is discussing the program with other potential partners, including Portugal and South Africa, while continuing to evaluate suppliers.


©EMBRAER

"This is the first step toward bilateral negotiations that will establish the terms and conditions of Colombia's participation in the program," says Embraer in the 1 September announcement. Colombia's contribution to the program could also include a factory there for machined parts, Embraer adds.

[buglerbilly]

Embraer’s Growing Tactical Airlifter Programme

Chile and Colombia to Become Partners in Embraer’s KC-390 Programme



defpro.com | While US and European aerospace companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus Military and Antonov, are intensely competing in the global tactical airlift market, a unexpected competitor has quietly positioned itself in the key players’ backyard and, in the future, may be reaching out beyond its ancestral geographic and business environment. So far, Embraer’s KC-390 tactical airlift programme has not made large waves in the international market. However, the South American company, which has already had significant international success with its Tucano and Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft, is now seeking to measure up to earlier achievements with a new heavyweight (when compared to the Tucanos).

Recent news about possible new partners and future customers have shown that the programme has good chances not to remain confined to continental borders. However, a long way still lies ahead of the KC-390 programme before it may join the international competition. The first flight of the airplane is scheduled for 2014 and entry into service with the Brazilian Air Force for the end of 2015.

Indeed, Embraer is very confident about the further progress of its military airlift programme. In May, Acir Padilha, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales at Embraer Defense Systems, told defpro.com: “The EMBRAER KC-390 sets a new standard in medium-lift military transport. With a twin turbofan engine and outstanding operational productivity, the KC-390 will have the lowest total life cycle cost and the highest availability in its class” (see http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/563/).

Embraer’s growing number of partners for this programme – in addition to its key national partner, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) –, may prove Padilha right. After the FAB’s announcement during the Farnborough air show in July to purchase 28 KC-390 aircraft, two new partners have been recently announced. In late August, the Brazilian and Chilean Defence Ministers signed a declaration of intent in Santiago de Chile by which Chile becomes partner in the KC-390 programme and which provides a basis for negotiations on the purchase of six aircraft. Furthermore, as DefenseNews reports, that Brazil and Colombia have signed a similar document on 1 September. In addition to the prospect of industrial participation, the Colombian Air Force (FAC) intends to purchase a fleet of twelve KC-390s.

Chile’s industry may also benefit of a participation in the programme. Based the bilateral agreement, Chile’s National Aeronautical Enterprise (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica, ENAER) will be offered to contribute to the development of the aircraft and to supply part of its structure. The two South American companies collaborate in different aerospace programmes since the 1990s. Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defence Market, said on the occasion of the signing ceremony: “We have an excellent relationship with ENAER, and we hope to see it grow even more via this partnership that not only reveals the high regard of the Chilean government for the KC-390, which we consider to be a winning product, but also shows our mutual interest in integrating the defence industrial bases of both countries.” ENAER’s CEO, General Pedro Bascuñan stated: “Participating in the project brings benefits not only to Embraer and ENAER, but also to both nations, by generating jobs and boosting industrial development. The possibility of working together on the KC-390 program comes as an important alternative for stimulating the manufacture of aeronautical structures in our facilities.”

Earlier this week, Chile was joined by Colombia as the second international partner in Brazil’s ambitious military airlift programme. According to DefenseNews, Air Marshal Flavio Ulloa, the FAC chief of logistical operations, said during the signing ceremony that by “being part of the programme, we are taking big steps to significantly speed up the development of the country's aeronautics industry through the Colombian Aeronautics Industry Corporation.” The Colombian Air Force already operates the Tucano, Super Tucano and EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft. The news of Embraer’s latest international partner was also noticed on the stock market with company shares rising by 6.1% on Wednesday.

The programme may further grow, as Argentina has, reportedly, indicated it may join. Furthermore, Dassault and Saab, both currently competing in the Brazilian FX-2 fighter tender, have indicated they could participate in the KC-390 programme if they are selected for the combat aircraft deal. Upon submitting an update proposal to the Brazilian Air Force, Saab emphasised its offer for a “unique competitive partnership”, also including Sweden’s intention to evaluate the KC-390 transport aircraft for long-term tactical air transport needs and Saab’s ambition to join the transport aircraft KC-390 development programme as a strategic partner, including support in international marketing. On the other hand, France is unlikely to buy the KC-390, as is already deeply involved in the multi-national European A400M programme.

The KC-390 may become a serious competitor to comparable transport aircraft. Capable of being refuelled in flight and also quickly configured as a tanker, the KC-390 uses state-of-the-art avionics, with dual HUD and a full-featured mission system including an accurate computed air release point (CARP). As Padilha explained in the interview, the aircraft will feature a complete self-protection system and will be fully Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible. He added: “The KC-390 will present an extraordinary field performance and be capable of operating from short and semi-prepared runaways. A full fly-by-wire flight control system with optimised functions will assure best mission performance and safe flying with reduced crew workloads.”

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By Nicolas von Kospoth, Managing Editor