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The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a tactical transport aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The first flight took place on 3rd February 2015, with the prototype in the air for just under 90 minutes. The focus of this flight was mainly to check the flight behaviour in conjunction with the fly-by-wire system. By March 2016, two prototypes had been built (serial number 3900001, registration PT-ZNF and 3900002, PT-ZNJ), one of which participated in the Farnborough International Airshow.
In September 2019, the first aircraft was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force and the series was renamed Embraer C-390 Millennium, with those that can be used as tankers being designated KC-390.
The C-390 is a twin turbofan shoulder-wing aircraft with a large bypass ratio. It can be refuelled in the air as well as provide fuel as a tanker.
Equipment includes a rear ramp with loading system, MedEvac configuration, modern flight controls and instrumentation. The aircraft also has all-weather and day/night operational capabilities and can take off from short unpaved sites.
Modern self-protection systems (radar, guided missile approach, and laser warning systems as well as decoy launchers) are integrated. Users or buyers include Brazil’s air forces as well as Portugal and Hungary. The Netherlands Air Force plans to order five aircraft to replace its Lockheed C-130s.
On 20th September 2023, Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner announced that the decision had been made in favour of the C-390 and that four to five aircraft would be procured in cooperation with the Netherlands. The KC-390s are to replace the three Lockheed C-130 K “Hercules” aircraft.
An example of the C-390 will be on static display at AIRPOWER24.
All photos (c) copyright by Embraer Defense & Security.
Embraer C-390
