According to a press release by Brazilian aviation company Embraer, the fourth C-390 Millennium multi-purpose military transport aircraft was delivered as part of the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) order of 28 units in total. Similar to the three aircraft currently operating, the fourth transport aircraft will be operated by the First Union Transport Group. All 28 aircraft ordered by the Brazilian Air Force are C-390 Millenniums but equipped to perform air refueling missions.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the FAB has used the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in logistics air transport missions that carry tons of material in the fight against the epidemic in Brazil. In addition, the FAB used one of the military transport aircraft in a humanitarian aid operation to the Republic of Lebanon to support the people of Beirut in August 2020.
On November 17, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer to purchase two C-390 Millennium multi-purpose transport aircraft in air-to-air refueling (AAR) configuration of the KC-390. This procurement is part of the process of enhancing the capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, especially in tactical air transport, AAR and medical evacuation and other public benefit missions. As part of the project, deliveries are expected to commence in 2023.
The aircraft will be the first in the world to have an intensive care unit configuration, a significant feature for performing humanitarian relief operations. The aircraft is also designed to refuel the Hungarian Jas 39 Gripen as well as other aircraft using the same technology. This KC-390 will be fully compatible with NATO in terms of not only hardware but also avionics and communication configuration.
At the end of October 2020, the Portuguese Armed Forces (FAP) and Embraer teams completed the “critical design review – CDR” for the KC-390 Millennium ordered by Portugal. In this step, the technical requirements of the aircraft were defined for Embraer to configure the aircraft in line with the needs of FAP. The Portuguese Government and Embraer signed a contract for the purchase of five multi-purpose military transport aircraft that would support the operations of the Portuguese Armed Forces and increase preparedness for missions of national interest. The delivery is expected to begin in 2023.
C-390 Millennium
The C-390 Millennium, a joint project between FAB and Embraer, is a tactical transport aircraft designed to set new standards in its category. Some of the aircraft’s strengths are mobility, robust design, greater flexibility, proven state-of-the-art technology and easier maintenance.
The C-390 Millennium and KC-390 Millennium fly faster than other military transport aircraft of the same size, carry more cargo, and are more ideal platforms for main use scenarios. The aircraft, together with highly reliable systems and components, requires less inspection and maintenance, which reduces the in-hangar duration and overall operating costs, contributes to high availability and lowers the overall life costs of the aircraft.
