Embraer announced on Thursday the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the companies ASTG (Aerospace Technology of Global), EMK (EM Korea Co.) and Kencoa Aerospace, based in South Korea.
The goal is for the companies to start supplying parts for the C-390 Millennium airlifter, which participates in the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Large Transport Aircraft (LTA II) program.
The South Korean government’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) agency launched the LTA II program in March, hoping to count on the participation of Airbus (A400M), Lockheed Martin (C-130J) and Embraer, with the KC-390 .
Approaching South Korean aerospace manufacturers is a key factor in competition, but Embraer hopes that the new partners will be able to participate in future developments of the C-390 and new aircraft – one of which could be the future passenger turboprop that is about to be released.
“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.
MC-X aircraft
The LTA II competition comes at the same time that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing the MC-X project, a multi-mission jet similar to the C-390, but with a slightly larger size.
According to preliminary data, the MC-X should have a length of 40.3 m, a wingspan of 41.1 m and a height of 13.5 m. The aircraft will be capable of carrying up to 30 tonnes of payload and is expected to have a maximum take-off weight of 92 tonnes.
Without an official order from the ROKAF, the program is still dependent on resources and partners to receive the green light. KAI expects the aircraft to be able to enter service in the early 2030s.
