03feb2015 photos: 1st flight Embraer KC-390 cargo-tanker

[wamovements]

I am not talking about jet transports. I am talking about transports, period. There is nothing else in the class of the Hercules (I am leaving out the Japanese C-1, and the C-2 is larger as I understand it). The BAe146 was nothing, as it could only load through a side cargo door. That really should not even be named in a discussion like this.
I understand 300 more Hercs are to be built, but that does not mean it has a very bright future ahead of it. It is in essence an old design which lasted long, but will be overtaken by newer designs at some point. The KC-390 might be it, if it proofs itself.

Erwin

BAE146STA / BAE146M had a rear cargodoor: see http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthre ... BAe-146STA
Production for the C-130J will run untill at least 2035, and yes, it is an old design, but will be produced for 80 years with 3000+ more frames built. Many competitors tried it in the past, but most of them failed / production didn't last that long (e.g. C-160, and even A400 won't probably be a big succes like the C-130, altough others find the latter more a competitor to the C-17, but countries that bought them are replacing the C-130 (Belgium/Spain/UK or C-160 (Turkey, Germany/France).

[Alpha Kilo One]

What a beauty !

[ehusmann]

Don't get me wrong please, I am not saying the mighty Herc is bad, on the contrary I would say. And indeed, nothing could ever beat it. However, 'many' competitors, I can only name two: C-1 and C-160. Nothing else was ever built. And it may be built until 2035, but still it will come to an end. A new design will come that will be able to truly replace it, no doubt about it. Which one that is is still a question. This KC-390 could be it, or maybe not. I hope it will proof to be a worthy replacement and I think it could be for the simple fact there is nothing else yet, not even under consideration in the US.
Either way, the sole fact it has jet engines will not determine its future, its ability to perform will be.

Erwin

P.S. and I kind of stand corrected on the BAe.146. The only design (and pictures) I have ever seen was with a side cargo door which obviously was not a success, this rear cargo door was new to me.

[mwpeters]

However, 'many' competitors, I can only name two: C-1 and C-160. Nothing else was ever built.

What about the G222/C-27J, and CN235/CN295 and not to forget the former USSR designs An-8, An-12, An-70, An-72 and An-74. Most were considerably smaller, but they still have similarities as well.

[ehusmann]

I am not counting the Soviets, because for most of time they weren't competitors for the simple fact most countries by far either were aligned with the Americans, or the Soviets. The other types you mention are much smaller and are not competitors for that fact. Sure they can do part of the job, but so can a F.27: dropping a few paras. But in no way is it a Herc competitor.

Erwin

[Polecat]

I am not counting the Soviets, because for most of time they weren't competitors for the simple fact most countries by far either were aligned with the Americans, or the Soviets. The other types you mention are much smaller and are not competitors for that fact. Sure they can do part of the job, but so can a F.27: dropping a few paras. But in no way is it a Herc competitor.

Erwin

indeed, compared to the mentioned Russian aircraft, the fuel efficiency of Russian engines vs IE2500 makes a bit of a difference...
And compared to the herky, 460kts versus 348 kts cruising speed makes a huge difference...

If this aircraft indeed meets the design specs, I think they've got a winner!
And fair enough. the (half Italian) AMX may not have been a huge succes, their E-jets and Tucano's have done quite well...