The Ministry of National Defense has been thinking about rebuilding the military fleet for several years. Its goal is to maintain the ability of the Polish Army to quickly transfer soldiers and equipment over operational and tactical distances. Replace or help The KC-390 transport planes produced by the Brazilian Embraer could replace the already used and quite worn-out Hercules, which are over 50 years old (!).
The KC-390 is the largest aircraft in South America and it is not without reason that it is called a “monster” or a “sweeper” – it is famous for its multitasking and is recognized is considered one of the most versatile military transports in the world. It can perform a wide range of activities, including: transport of troops and cargo, landings and air drops, in-flight refueling and search and rescue missions.
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The interior of the Brazilian KC-390
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Lalo de Almeida/Folhapress / Forum Polish Photographers Agency
“Monster-Ogarniacz” will fly over Warsaw
“Monster” at the Warsaw airport. The Fryderyk Chopin International Airport landed on Saturday. On Tuesday, Embraer's authorities will appear there, where they will meet with representatives of the Polish authorities, most likely the Ministry of Defense.
The Brazilian giant will then sign an agreement, the so-called memorandum of cooperation (Memorandum of Understanding). However, its details and scope are shrouded in mystery. The Brazilians only revealed that “the event will showcase its involvement in the development of defense capabilities and building strategic partnerships in Poland.”
Warsaw residents will be able to watch the demonstrative flight of the “monster” in the sky – and the selected ones will be able to take part in it.
Read also: Embraer raises the stakes. Brazilians tempt Poland with billions of investments
Embraer is fighting for Poland
A few months ago, Embraer in Poland lost its first civil battle for the supply of passenger planes to LOT Polish Airlines, which was ultimately won by Airbus. The Brazilian tycoon believes that this defeat does not ruin his plans in Poland — wants to win in the military program and convince the Polish government to order KC-390 Millenium transports. The rival is, among others, Airbus and its A400M Atlas or A330 MRTT.
The problem is that the KC-390 currently does not have the ability to refuel US fighters such as F-16 and the future fleet of F-35 fighters. However, Embraer representatives announced some time ago that they are conducting “conceptual and technical work on the possibility” of adding a system that makes this possible.
KC-390
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Paulo Whitaker / Reuters / Forum Polish Photographers Agency
Will Poland follow in the footsteps of other European countries?
Embraer's proposal for Poland was valued at approximately one billion dollars. As part of it, the Brazilians offer not only a transport vehicle, but also the creation of the KC-390 Millennium final assembly line in our country, as well as the Polonization of on-board systems, the creation of technical service facilities and the purchase of parts and systems from Polish companies.
— Poland is an ideal partner for Embraer to cooperate in the creation of modern defense technologies and highly qualified jobs – said the head of the Embraer Group, Francisco Gomes Neto, a few months ago. In his opinion, Embraer's partnership (also in the region) can bring Poland three billion dollars. within 10 years.
If the Polish Ministry of National Defense accepts the Brazilian proposal, Poland will become a member of the European KC-390 ecosystem. The armed forces of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Austria and South Korea already have the “handling monster”.
Embraer has been cooperating with the Polish aviation sector for over 25 years. Polish plants produce, among others: auxiliary power units (APU), components for Pratt & Whitney engines and seats for E2 aircraft. In turn, PLL LOT's fleet currently includes 47 Embraer aircraft, including the three newest E195-E2.
KC-390. The most important data
- Producer: Embraer (Brazil)
- Type: military transport aircraft, multi-role (for this reason it is also called a “container”)
- Crew: two people (optional additional mission operator)
- First flight: February 3, 2015
- Entry into service: 2019
- Price: approx. USD 50-70 million
Dimensions
- Length: approx. 33.9–35.2 m
- Wingspan: 35.05 m
- Height: approx. 12.15 m
Drive
- Engines: 2 x IAE V2500-E5 turbofans
- String: approx. 138–139 kN each
Capacity
- Nominal: 19 tons
- Maximum: 23–23.6 tons
- Concentrated charge: up to 26 tons
- Hold: length 12.7 m, width 3.45 m, height 2.95 m
Performance
- Maximum speed: approx. 850–870 km per hour (0.8 Mach)
- Ceiling: 11 thousand m
- Reception: with 23 t of load: approx. 2,590–2,780 km (with less load: up to 6.2 thousand km)
Abilities and equipment
- Transport of troops and cargo (including a Black Hawk helicopter)
- Medical evacuation
- Airdrops
- Refueling in flight (the plane can be refueled and refuel other machines)
- Missions: SAR (search and rescue), humanitarian, firefighting
- Avionics: Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion, HUD, EVS, SVS
- Control system: Fly-by-wire
- Tactical radar: with SAR, navigation and observation functions
- Operations: possible from unpaved lanes, in extreme conditions (Amazon, Antarctica, deserts)
Author: Natalia Szewczak, journalist and editorial secretary of Business Insider Polska. Contact: [email protected]
