The cutting-edge features of the Embraer C-390 Millennium have made it a tactical airlift aircraft transforming global defense operations. From unmatched payload capacity to air-to-air refueling capabilities, this multi-mission jet is a true game-changer in aviation industry.
This video explores the C-390 Millennium’s design, speed, range, and versatility. Countries like Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary are adding this incredible aircraft to their fleets. It has powerful turbofan engines, advanced avionics, and capability to perform critical missions like medical evacuation, firefighting, and humanitarian aid.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft designed and produced by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. It is the heaviest aircraft the company has constructed to date.
Work on the project began at Embraer during the mid-2000s, with early efforts centred around a conceptual derivative of the E190 jetliner of a similar size to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The company was keen to use turbofan jet engines, instead of turboprops. Support for the venture was forthcoming from both the Brazilian government and the Brazilian Air Force.
In May 2008, the government invested R$800 million (US$440M) in the project’s development. In April 2009, Embraer was issued a $1.5 billion contract for two prototypes. At the 2011 Paris Air Show, Embraer announced plans to launch a stretched version of the aircraft as a civilian freighter. Partnerships were promptly formed with various other aerospace companies on the programme, including FAdeA, ENAER, OGMA, and Boeing.
A joint venture with Boeing was announced in November 2019, but quickly fell apart within six months. Major subcontractors in the aircraft’s manufacturing include Aero Vodochody, BAE Systems, and Rockwell Collins.
24.04.2023 – Presidente da República, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Primeiro-Ministro da República Portuguesa, António Costa, durante Visita às instalações das Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico (OGMA), Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal S.A. Aeródromo de Alverca – Portugal. Foto: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
On 3 February 2015, the first of two prototypes performed its maiden flight. On 4 September 2019, the first production aircraft was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. In November 2019, during the Dubai Airshow, Embraer announced the aircraft’s new name for the global market, C-390 Millennium.
Several export customers for the C-390 have been secured, including the Portuguese Air Force, Hungarian Air Force, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The C-390 can be configured to perform various conventional operations such as troop, VIP and cargo transportation, and more specialised logistical operations such as aerial refuelling as a tanker.
It can carry payloads of up to 26 t (57,000 lb), such as two fully-tracked M113 armoured personnel carriers, one Boxer armoured vehicle, a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, 74 litters with life-support equipment, up to 80 soldiers or 66 paratroopers with full gear, and loads of up to 42,000 lb (19 t) can be airdropped.
Top Photo: Embraer KC-390 at Paris Air Show 2019 – Matti Blume
Sources: Wikipedia; YouTube