Embraer signs MOUs for cooperation with the South Korean aerospace industry to offer its KC-390 for the LTA II program.
Embraer today announced the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoU) with South Korean aerospace companies ASTG (Aerospace Technology of Global), EMK (EM Korea Co.) and Kencoa Aerospace to strengthen collaboration with Korean defense industry partners for the future supply of parts for the C-390 Millennium. The aircraft is competing in the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)-sponsored Large Transport Aircraft II (LTA II) program.
#NOTÍCIA | #Embraer assina memorandos de entendimento para cooperação com a indústria aeroespacial da Coreia do Sul. Leia notícia completa: https://t.co/MIdtRSnWw8 #EmbraerStories #WeAreEmbraer #C390 #Millennium pic.twitter.com/VUJQW8b6IT
— Embraer (@embraer) October 27, 2022
The potential supply of parts manufactured in South Korea will contribute to the offset requirements of the LTA II Program. The MOUs aim to create long-term business relationships between the parties that will extend beyond the LTA II Program. The Korean industry’s capabilities may also lead it to participate in future developments of existing Embraer platforms, such as the C-390 Millennium, as well as new aircraft, vehicle and systems projects.
“Embraer is very confident on the mutual benefits to be gained from this collaboration, thus creating a sustainable and growing relationship between Embraer and the partners in South Korea”, said Jackson Schneider, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “By offering more than 50 years of experience in aviation, technology and innovation, Embraer is looking to establish meaningful partnerships in South Korea to create new businesses and solutions.”
This announcement by Embraer is in line with its overall strategy, announced during the last Embraer Media Day, to seek global partnerships that will open the door to new markets for its products.
See also: Embraer looks for an industrial partner for the C-390
Replacement of the Korean Hercules and KAI’s competence
The LTA II program responds to the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) need to find a replacement for its fleet of 12 C-130H/H-30 cargo aircraft, which should begin to decommission from 2026.
The KC-390 Millennium will have to compete against Airbus’ A400M and Lockheed Martin’s C-130J. The contestants are expected to make significant technology transfers to assist in the development of the domestic industry.
In turn, Korea’s leading aerospace company, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is developing the MC-X, its own design for a multirole military cargo and transport aircraft, similar in configuration to the KC-390 and Kawasaki C-2.
According to features released by KAI, the MC-X will be about 40.3 m long, 13.5 m high and 41.1 m wingspan-with a maximum takeoff weight of 92,000 kg and a payload capacity of up to 30,000 kg. It will be equipped with 30,000-lb turbofan engines, which are expected to deliver a top speed of 926 km/h and a cruising range of 7,000 km.
But if the ROKAF plans to start replacing its old Hercules from 2026, KAI will not be able to submit its proposal, because the development of the aircraft could take between seven and eight years, with series production likely to start between 2031 and 2032.
Unless the Korean government is convinced to commit to the development of the MC-X and they decide to modernize and extend the service life of the C-130H to give KAI time to complete its development.
