Summary
- The Kawasaki C-2 and Embraer C-390 Millennium are both homegrown defense aircraft designed to replace aging propeller aircraft and undertake various missions in harsh environments.
- The C-2 was developed by Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries and can carry 120 troops, eight air cargo pallets, or an entire helicopter. It has proven indispensable to the Japanese Air Force since its maiden flight in 2010.
- The C-390 Millennium, created by Brazil's Embraer, can transport cargo or troops, perform various missions, including medical evacuation and aerial refueling, and has special equipment for search and rescue missions.
The two homegrown defense aircraft fulfill many of the same roles and functions. Both aircraft were designed to replace aging propeller aircraft and undertake various missions in unforgiving environments. The Kawasaki C-2 was developed and manufactured by Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries, while Embraer's versatile C-390 Millenium was created in Brazil.
What about the C-2?
This transport aircraft came about following a 2007 search by the Japan Defence Agency for a proper replacement for its C-1 aircraft and the C-130 Hercules, which was produced by Lockheed Martin. Specific instructions were given that the plane should carry a minimum payload of 26,000 kg, operate on short landing strips, and have the range to reach Hawaii. Kawasaki Aerospace Company was chosen for the project and developed the aircraft alongside the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft as a cost-saving measure.
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Two General Electric CF6-80C2K1F turbofan engines power the aircraft. Notably, it only needs 500 meters to take off and is built to operate from unprepared or damaged runways. Roughly the same size as an Airbus A400M, the C-2 can carry 120 troops, eight standard air cargo pallets, or an entire helicopter.
Since taking its maiden flight in 2010, the C-2s has proved indispensable to the Japanese Air Force. Models of the aircraft have been rebranded as RC-2 after being fitted with a radio information collector introduced in 2020.
Behind the C-390 Millennium
Across the Pacific, Embraer was working on its own military transport aircraft. During the early 2000s, the Brazillian manufacturer began researching a high-wing derivative of its existing E190 aircraft to use as a jet replacement for existing C-130 Hercules aircraft. Two prototypes were built with support from the Brazilian government and Air Force, the first of which took flight for the first time in 2015. The first production C-390 was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in 2016
Photo: Embraer
The C-390 is designed to transport cargo or troops and perform a wide array of missions, including medical evacuation, humanitarian search and rescue, aerial refueling (fighters and helicopters), and firefighting. It is equipped with special equipment, such as a removable camera pod that can see electrooptically and in infrared to detect heat signatures during search and rescue missions. The aircraft can also perform aerial firefighting missions with up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant that can be deployed from a door at the back of the aircraft.
Photo: Embraer
The current six-aircraft fleet is configured in the KC-390 aerial refueling version and has a combined 9,500 flight hours. The latest data from Embraer shows a mission completion rate above 99% and the type received orders from Portugal, Hungary, and The Netherlands.
How do they compare?
Both aircraft are operated by a crew of two pilots and one loadmaster. Regarding capacity, C-390 can carry a payload of 26 tons and fly at 470 knots. The C-2, meanwhile, can carry up to 37.5 tons and reach 533 knots. When it comes to range, the C-2 also pulls out in front with a maximum distance significantly longer than that of its competitor. It can also land and take off in just 500 meters, almost half that of the C-390.
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The C-390 stands 37 feet and 10 inches high and reaches just over 115 feet long, the same distance as its wingspan. The C-2 takes the cake in that category with 145 feet and eight inches from wingtip to wingtip, against a length of 144 feet and height of 46 feet seven inches. However, when it comes to foreign interest, the Embraer option is the clear winner. The smaller aircraft has orders from three other countries, while Japan's option has yet to pick up a single contract.
