Embraer C-390 Emerges as Cost-Effective Option in IAF's MTA Deal, Local Manufacturing Key

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) ambitious quest for a new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is gaining momentum, with early indications suggesting the Embraer C-390 Millennium might present a cost-effective solution compared to its rivals.

Sources reveal that Embraer's proposal for the IAF includes not only the C-390 aircraft but also a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) package, enabling local manufacturing.

This offering comes with an estimated per-unit cost of $140-160 million, potentially undercutting the anticipated price for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, a long-standing favorite in the IAF's fleet.

While the C-130J enjoys a proven track record within the IAF, having procured six units in 2012 for $1.05 billion, its current international unit cost falls within the $130-167 million range. The Airbus A400M, another contender, offers a higher payload capacity but carries a significantly higher price tag, ranging from $220-240 million per unit.

The IAF has yet to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) detailing unit costs based on the final procurement figures. While Embraer's initial offer appears financially attractive, the IAF will conduct a thorough evaluation, assessing the C-390's capabilities against its operational requirements.

One key advantage of the C-390 is its superior cargo capacity. Its robust structure allows it to transport heavier payloads (up to 26,000 kg) compared to the C-130J's 20,227 kg limit. This enhanced capacity could prove a decisive factor for the IAF.

India's emphasis on local manufacturing adds another layer of complexity. While the chosen aircraft will be produced domestically, potentially incurring additional upfront investment costs, this approach aligns with India's goals of self-reliance and long-term economic benefits.

Although the initial price estimates position the Embraer C-390 favorably, the IAF's final decision will rest on a comprehensive evaluation, considering factors such as unit cost, operational capabilities, and the long-term advantages of local manufacturing. The competition promises to be a close one between the C-390 and the C-130J, with the IAF's strategic priorities ultimately determining the winner.

 

[sanket]

Embraer has Good Chance to clinch the deal.

 

[Abhijeet Dey]

Embraer has Good Chance to clinch the deal.

Embraer C-390 Millennium uses IAE V-2500 engine which is manufactured by US based company International Aero Engines and 25% owned by Pratt & Whitney. I doubt they will transfer engine technology to India.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

whether IAF chooses C130J, C390, or A400, just make sure that it gives a large order keeping in mind current and future needs in medium term.

Because if IAF continues to give small orders, like it gave for C130J (12 units), then it will mean that IAF will operate multiple different kinds of aircraft, with different parts, maintenance, training required, which will lead to inefficiency and increased costs.

 

[Anonymus]

whether IAF chooses C130J, C390, or A400, just make sure that it gives a large order keeping in mind current and future needs in medium term.

Because if IAF continues to give small orders, like it gave for C130J (12 units), then it will mean that IAF will operate multiple different kinds of aircraft, with different parts, maintenance, training required, which will lead to inefficiency and increased costs.

and what about c295 iaf should give only that much order which is required as iaf has big plans and required funds for that just over order will delay there plans and tax payer money will be wasted.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

and what about c295 iaf should give only that much order which is required as iaf has big plans and required funds for that just over order will delay there plans and tax payer money will be wasted.

the C295 is a different category of aircraft. C295 will serve a different purpose than these aircraft. C390 is 4 times heavier than C295.

 

[NSR]

IAF has to make a detailed study to find out if it should support another transport aircraft which only carries about 5 MT more of cargo.

If it is not, then IAF should go with C-130J aircraft which is a proven work horse, and then bargain very hard with Lockheed Martin for TOT and local manufacturing from component wise in India.
Its doable.

 

[Anant]

and what about c295 iaf should give only that much order which is required as iaf has big plans and required funds for that just over order will delay there plans and tax payer money will be wasted.

We already have 56 C295s on order or in service for the IAF, plus 9 planned for the Navy, plus 6 planned for the ICG. That is a pretty large order (71 aircraft in total). There are also proposals to acquire another 9 aircraft for replacing some of the oldest An-32s and the newest HS-748s.

71 aircraft makes us the largest operator of the C-295 globally by a country mile, putting us far, far ahead of Spain, which is the second largest operator with 29 aircraft in service or planned plus 1 option.

We could, in fact, look at replacing part of the An-32 fleet with C-295s. Between the An-32 and HS-748 fleets, there are some 160 aircraft (57 HS-748s plus 10e An-32s). The present plans call for replacing these with a total of 136 or so aircraft (56 C-295s plus 80 MTAs). We could look to expand that number up to 150 or so, and then make up for the shortfall in numbers through increased payloads.

 

[Anant]

Embraer C-390 Millennium uses IAE V-2500 engine which is manufactured by US based company International Aero Engines and 25% owned by Pratt & Whitney. I doubt they will transfer engine technology to India.

In any case, engine technology transfer is not a requirement under MTA. The requirement is local construction, which will be fulfilled.

 

[venkat]

Order 18 or 24 in one shot and not 6 at a time

 

[AK S]

IAF has to make a detailed study to find out if it should support another transport aircraft which only carries about 5 MT more of cargo.

If it is not, then IAF should go with C-130J aircraft which is a proven work horse, and then bargain very hard with Lockheed Martin for TOT and local manufacturing from component wise in India.
Its doable.

I’m sure IAF is doing it. BTW, 5Ton is a very capacity - At 26T possibly a light tank can be transported.

 

[Anonymus]

the C295 is a different category of aircraft. C295 will serve a different purpose than these aircraft. C390 is 4 times heavier than C295.

what is different category forces will buy planes according to there needs only.

 

[Rajesh]

Embraer C-390 Millennium uses IAE V-2500 engine which is manufactured by US based company International Aero Engines and 25% owned by Pratt & Whitney. I doubt they will transfer engine technology to India.

They uses a 140 -160kn engine and changing such engines which commercial airlines does is not any herculean task. If any company is willing to offer their engine as part of make in india then we can use it .( If RR becomes our partner to make the 110-120 amca engine we can compell them to include a similar thrust engine as a package and make them in india and use it in c399:- just an example only)

 

[Ashok Kumar]

C390 with higher Load, lower cost , a Jet as opposed to Turboprop, , local manufacture with local Jobs , should be pretty attractive. Wonder how it performs in same rugged terrain as C130 J

 

[ramdas]

First, C130J is a proven turboprop aircraft that fulfills the IAF medium lift requirement, while C390 is a jet-powered aircraft with higher lift capacities, although the engine TOT will not be shared. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of turboprops in terms of maneuverability and tactical advantage during missions.

 

[Varaaah]

Seems Brazilian engineers are ahead of Indian engineers in this field.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to make sure that whichever company wins they have to manufacture the plane in India with a large ToT and local production. The air force should look at the An 70 from Ukraine. We will get a better deal as Ukraine needs the money and we can get a higher amount of ToT and local production compared to other countries. The plane has a good, fuel efficient and reliable engine using a prop fan engine which lasts longer and it’s easy to maintain.

 

[MF]

Embraer C-390 Millennium uses IAE V-2500 engine which is manufactured by US based company International Aero Engines and 25% owned by Pratt & Whitney. I doubt they will transfer engine technology to India.

I believe that if India is really interested in receiving a transfer of aeronautical engine technology, companies will offer it as long as they receive an offer for this.

 

[MF]

IAF has to make a detailed study to find out if it should support another transport aircraft which only carries about 5 MT more of cargo.

If it is not, then IAF should go with C-130J aircraft which is a proven work horse, and then bargain very hard with Lockheed Martin for TOT and local manufacturing from component wise in India.
Its doable.

If we compare the technical specifications of the Brazilian aircraft with the North American one, we will discover that the Embraer model does not just have a greater load capacity.
The aircraft developed in Brazil also has higher cruising speed, service ceiling, range, refueling capacity, among other characteristics.

 

[MF]

Seems Brazilian engineers are ahead of Indian engineers in this field.

You may be right. The Brazilian aeronautical industry has more than 50 years of tradition and commercial success in various sectors (civil, executive, military and agricultural) due to the expertise of its engineers. They say that some of the reasons why Boeing proposed a joint venture with Embraer was to gain access to the engineering capacity of Embraer, which is younger and has a reputation for being very creative.
So much so that after the North Americans withdrew from the agreement, Boeing opened an engineering and technology center in the same city as Embraer's headquarters and began hiring employees from other Brazilian aerospace companies, such as Orbital, Akaer, Avibras, AEL Sistemas, etc. This harassment is even being questioned in court.