The SAAF Forum

It's a real pity that we did not get involved in this project. The KC-390 would've made a decent replacement for our ageing Hercs.

https://www.janes.com/article/89838/por ... airlifters

It is a very nice aircraft but I think we need something like C295's for most of the in country work and something like a An 70/ A400 for the big stuff.

A C295 can easily do more than 70% of the current work of the C130, but we need something to fit a Oryx or Badger in.

Well that's my opinion anyway.

Acording to an article in Jane's the KC-390 have a fully laden max range of approx 2000 km - not much good for use from PTA to many places up-north.





In-flight refueling could be used but will equate to using 2 or 3 KC-390s to deliver just one aircraft load - not such a clever way to operate.

The KC390 outperforms a Herc C130J in almost all respects:
Herc C130J Max payload = 22 600kg
KC390 Max payload = 26 000 kg
Herc C130J range with 18100kg = 2200 nm
KC390 range with 23000kg = 1850 nm
Herc C130J ferry range = 3 500 nm
KC 390 ferry range = 3310 nm
Herc C130J max cruise = 355kn
KC390 max cruise = 470kn
Herc C130J Cargo volume = 6022 ft3 ; L = 55ft + 10ft 8" ; H = 9ft ; W = 10ft (Included ramp area & volume)
KC390 cargo volume = 5970 ft3 ; L 60ft 8" ; H = 9ft 8" ; W = 11ft 4" (Excluded ramp area & volume)

KC390 is very modern with all the modern equipment. KC390 tops!

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