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This is the same airplane that Sarkozy stated he would buy a few and help with the launch, and the Brazilian president announced they were buying Rafael's. Ooops, he didn't mention that Brazilan AF commanders who were hosting a run-off for the fighter competition. Politics.
Why though?" When you have the option to get an aircraft with a pedigree and track record , the 130
Yeah.. that's my thougts Pb. Pay for a huge build/acquisition with little market in a relatively crowded niche demand. US, Russians, Italians, Brazil and Japan? Seems a little optimistic to me. But who knows, perhaps Brazil with their "vibrant" economy has $billions lying around to fund a development lifecycle. I won't hold my breath however.
The global market for medium transports is potentially huge, just look at the C-130 for a prime example. I'n not sure why you are 'down' on Embraer/Brazil?
The basic architecture of the C-130 is 56 years old already
Where did you get that impression? I said nothing of the sort. I just doubt the market exists that the Brazilians can overcome the current workhorses.
And the GTF certainly has potential for fuel savings, but I'm not convinced that those savings have been calculated in a lower altitude operational environment with military application. To date all claims for GTF were civilian based operations at high altitudes (FL310 and above).
And don't dismiss the turboprop so readily, Waynos. Your speed claim efficiencies are not necessarily supported with military transport operations.
And frankly this is just stupid silly.