Embraer Seeks India Partnership, Offers Tailored C390 for IAF Needs

Embraer's C390 Millennium multi-mission transport is vying for a major role within the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The Brazilian aerospace giant, in a recent partnership agreement with Indian powerhouse Mahindra, has made a strategic move: If selected, they plan to source over 60% of the aircraft's parts and systems from within India.

This commitment to "Make in India" could significantly boost Embraer's chances in the IAF's selection process. Beyond the MTA program, Embraer views India as a key partner. They propose collaborating to develop specialized versions of the C390, giving the IAF a versatile platform for various missions.

Why the C390 Millennium Stands Out:

• Capacity: Hauls a massive 22 tons of cargo, surpassing the current C-130J and AN-32 aircraft.
• Adaptability: Excels on unprepared runways and handles missions like troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and even firefighting.
• Cutting-Edge: Modern avionics, heads-up displays, and a tough airframe ensure reliable performance.

The Competition: The C390 Millennium faces strong rivals like Lockheed Martin's C-130J and the Airbus A400M Atlas. The IAF is expected to carefully evaluate all options before making their decision.

 

[Pink Panther]

This is like getting Gripen, SAAB only assembles Gripen, every part of Gripen comes from a different Country.

 

[Swaminathan]

The dire need today is to establish a strong components / sub assemblies / assemblies base - both for nechanical & electronics - for such MTAs in our country . Infact , we should smartly negotiate with the chosen / prospective supplier in this regard , establish a strong manufacturing base and foster it over the years and become a crucial source of supply for the entire world . The technologies we aquire or get exposed to and / or the skill we aquire and develop over a period of time will go a long way in maturing our aircraft manufacturing industry .

 

[War is good for business]

This is like getting Gripen, SAAB only assembles Gripen, every part of Gripen comes from a different Country.

So? Boeing assembles Apaches, it's fuselage is made in India. This is a completely flawed argument. Rarely can anyone can make every part of an aircraft and trying to do that only causes delays and cost overruns.
Embraer made the fuselage and added the widely used IAE V2500 engine. It is a very practical decision given the comparatively small number of aircraft that they will sell. Cockpit avionics are also very similar to commercial systems so that pilot transition is smooth and the bugs tht crop up in a new system are totally avoided. It's business prudence. Airframe is the only thing that matters in deciding if an aircraft is assembled or not. Otherwise every car you see are assembled as the manufacturer makes the body, seats, infotainment, air-conditioning and in some cases even the engine is sourced from outside.

 

[NSR]

Latest C-130J cargo capacity is close to 20 MTons.

C-390 cargo capacity is up to 30 MTons.

IAF is evaluating their needs in light of C295 and C-130Js.
If it does not need up to 30 MTons, then it should go with C-130Js because they are extremely reliable and quality transporters.

For sufficient numbers, Lockheed Martin may agree for local manufacturing and sourcing of at least 80% like GE F-414 fighter engine.

 

[Sandeep]

The best option for the MTA plane is the Antonov 70. India will get a good deal with a high amount of technology transferred and local production as Ukraine needs the money to help the war. This will give India the knowledge on how to design and build a MTA plane that we will need in future.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

The best option for the MTA plane is the Antonov 70. India will get a good deal with a high amount of technology transferred and local production as Ukraine needs the money to help the war. This will give India the knowledge on how to design and build a MTA plane that we will need in future.

Antonov 70 is in proto-type only. Doubtful if they still have the capacity to manufacture large aircrafts given 2 years of conflict.

 

[Out_for_vendetta]

This is like getting Gripen, SAAB only assembles Gripen, every part of Gripen comes from a different Country.

Except that SAAB designed the whole fucking airplane

 

[Pink Panther]

Except that SAAB designed the whole fucking airplane

HAL and DRDO can also design many things and draw beautiful pictures as well.

 

[Prashu Sam]

It is hard sell for Embraer. India already has Russian, European and American Transport planes and adding one more will deeply fragment the sector. One thing we learn from Russia is standardization. The Equipment better serve when they have commonality. Stick to fewer, even with slight compromise to features and build the eco system which is cost efficient and logistically easy.