Embraer C-390 Millennium and KC-390 refueling versions are a new generation of multi-task transport aircraft. It provides unparalleled mobility, rapid reconfiguration, high availability and higher flight safety on a unique platform.
Since its first delivery to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft has proven its capabilities, reliability and outstanding performance in domestic and international missions, including joint combat exercises with the US Air Force at the beginning of this year . The C-390 Millennium’s entry into the market comes at a critical moment when the Air Force and the government are seeking to update their airlift fleet and integrate the aircraft with modern technology. FAB currently has 4 Embraer KC-390 fleets. These aircraft have been operating for more than 3,650 hours of flight time, including extensive use of equipment and medical supplies across the country in response to the COVID-19 situation in Brazil.
The versatility of the C-390 Millennium gives it a strong combat capability in the Asia-Pacific region and can perform a series of missions across different terrains with high reliability. The C-390 Millennium is the most modern aircraft of its kind and includes complete “fly-by-wire” technology.
As proven by the Brazilian Air Force, the C-390 can also be quickly deployed to respond to emergencies and humanitarian rescue missions triggered by floods, forest fires, earthquakes, or COVID-like situations. The C-390 has demonstrated its ability to successfully take off and land on an unpaved runway, which is critical to the Air Force’s requirements given that they operate on different terrains. In addition, the C-390 Millennium can operate at an altitude of 14,000 feet, which meets the requirements for high-altitude operation.
The KC-390 Millennium uses under-wing “pods” for refueling. The onboard refueling capability between two aircraft of the same model is unique in this category. This allows aircraft operators to expand their logistics transportation capabilities, such as during search and rescue operations, thereby increasing the autonomy and scope of their missions. Embraer’s “fly-by-wire” system control law specially developed for aircraft proves the aircraft’s excellent flight quality and the low workload of the crew.
The aircraft is fully compatible with NATO, not only in terms of its hardware, but also in terms of its avionics/communication configuration. In addition to FAB, the Portuguese Armed Forces (FAP) ordered five KC-390s in 2019, and the Hungarian government signed a contract to purchase two C-390 Millenniums for its multi-mission air logistics and air-to-air refueling (AAR) Configuration, designated as KC-390. The KC-390 of the Hungarian Defense Forces will be the first configuration in the world to be equipped with an intensive care unit, which is the basic feature of the implementation of humanitarian missions.
