C-130J Super Hercules x KC-390: what is the best transport plane?

The global transport aviation market has a new strong competitor, the Embraer KC-390 from Brazil. Although it is not yet well known, the KC-390 has been taking up space among NATO members as a replacement for old planes C-130 Hercules in countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands, in addition to being selected by other nations, such as Hungary and the Czech Republic.
But how does the KC-390 compare to the C-130J Super Hercules, the most modern and capable version of the Hercules family?

#kc390
#military
#c130

[geerliglecluse]

The Dutch Air Force have ordered 5 KC-390 to replace their C-130H fleet of 4, effectively doubling fixed-wing airlift capacity not only because the KC-390 can lift more, but most of all because it's a lot faster.

[jsrbetter]

Yes, Lockheed Martin has been building versions of this airframe for 70 years... they know what they are doing and have it down to a science. Quality Control is all that matters here.

I couldn't help but notice the video skipped over landing, taxi, and takeoff specs the whole point of a turboprop cargo aircraft... also strap on 18k pounds of fuel via external tanks.

[costinhadacosta]

Seems like the KC-390 wins in every category.

[JJJJ-ssod]

KC-390 is much newer than C-130 so of course, it's going to be better than the old C-130 (and A400M) in almost every aspect. One key advantage that wasn't mentioned is that KC-390 uses only 2 engines while C-130 has 4 engines. This is a huge cost factor in terms of purchase and maintenance. Unless Lockheed introduces a new model, KC-390 holds the crown in this segment. Actually, a better comparison to KC-390 would be another newer plane, Kawasaki C-2, which is a slightly bigger plane than KC-390. Between the two, KC-390 is better because it's 40% cheaper in price. Ultimately, which plane one chooses will depend on the primary purpose. C-2 is bigger so can carry more but costs more. Personally, I think KC-390 is better for military purpose and C-2 for humanitarian aid purpose. I like KC-390 best because it's smaller and faster, which means less chance of getting shot down. Lockheed and Airbus got complacent and allowed Embraer to enter this segment. Embraer is now the standard to beat in this market.

[brasilmilitarx]

KC 390 Milenium is the best value for money. Fly further, higher and faster

[tiagodesouza]

Apenas o americano não vai enxergar vantagens no KC390

[Potatosaurusrex]

I kinda wondered if knew what you were talkiing about or just putting some factoids out. I knew when youbsaid the J has a better windpspan your just facting and thats cool. Im a tactical airlift pilot. I fly the J the fact thst we have a longer wingspan is no a win as this would become more limiting to austere landing sites...trees etc..gotta remember its about how well the tool can used for its itended purpose. I see these comparisoon come up alot...one big difference with us having props is immediate blown lift and thrust response vs the turbo fan engine on the 390. Take those into consideration too.

[ehrobertoac]

KC390 é melhor, mais moderno e de manutenção barata - KC is better, more modern and cheap to maintain

[averdadeestanua]

the Super H C-130 is a old concept airplane. Fact.

[toddcooper]

How about losing an engine? What about loitering time? If you think Lockheed hasn't thought about the jet competition, you're clearly mistaken. There are so many variables with both planes and each plane will have its strengths and weaknesses. I hope the KC-390 does well, but the C-130 has earned its place and will not easily be replaced.

[bensilver]

You...Você precisa mesmo que eu fale qual é o melhor?? Kkk, o kc 390é super...

[modalferroviario]

*Kc 390 is best !*
*No comparations!*

[theanalogkid]

The Herk will still be flying and serving when these things are in the boneyard. You'll never get a jet with a supercritical wing to do the short field tactical airlift mission that the C-130 was designed to do. Fact.

[johnpatrick]

What utter BS, you fail to mention runway surfaces and take off and landing length requirements. Also Sweden and South Africa have not bought this plane and the EU favours the A400.

[luther]

IF usa need compet avast KC390, must be made obter and modern air crack. Kc390 is a future.

[linosoriano]

It shd.read "which", not "what". Pls correct.

[danfraser]

What about the difference between the two when it comes to Strat verses Tactical airlift? The CC130 was designed for austere locations, dirt runways, tactical airlift. Can the KC390 do the same as the CC130 when it comes to that? By the looks of the swept wings, the CC130 would beat the KC390 hands down! For strat airlift most countries use the C17, for tactical airlift the CC130 wins!

[chippyjohn]

Thankyou for using standard measurement.

[abubakarabdulrahman]

How many paratroopers it csn take both ? And how Many troops it can transport both ??

[carlosponchio]

while the KC gets there faster the Hercules is lumbering along, making a wider target while carrying about the same load. The world cant wait for the Hercules to get there. 2023 vs 1950.