The Embraer C-390 Millennium, the new generation multi-mission military transport aircraft, has reached the significant milestone of ten thousand flight hours with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), after just 4 years of service. The current fleet of 6 aircraft has operational availability of 80% with a mission accomplishment rate above 99%. The C-390 Millenium is a true multi-mission tactical military transport aircraft, offering unparalleled air mobility. It delivers exceptionally high productivity, and operational flexibility, all with low operating costs; an unbeatable combination. The C-390 transports more payload (26 metric tons, or 57,300 lb) in comparison with other military transport aircraft in the medium airlift category. It flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being able to perform a wide range of missions such as logistic transportation, aerial delivery of cargo and troops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, fire-fighting and humanitarian aid. All of these missions are possible from unpaved as well as paved runways.
“From design to conception, the KC-390 Millennium from Embraer, a world-class Brazilian company, has made us very proud. It is through this aircraft that our Brazilian Air Force has already carried out – and continues to do so – a wide range of transport missions, whether in Brazil during the Covid-19 operation or overseas, in missions such as bringing Brazilians home from Ukraine and Israel and performing aerial resupply in Antarctica. Celebrating this milestone of 10,000 hours flown by the KC-390 represents the commitment and dedication of the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer. With its exceptional performance and proven versatility, the KC-390 has become Brazilian Air Force’s main air mobility aircraft. We are proud to be part of this achievement, and to be part of the global recognition the aircraft has received as well. Congratulations to everyone involved in this successful journey”, said General (AF) Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Brazilian Air Force Commander.
“The C-390 has been demonstrating its capabilities and reliability on a daily basis. With outstanding performance in a wide range of missions, this multi-mission platform has become the mainstream of FAB’s air mobility. The operational excellence of the C-390 is calling the attention of many Air Forces around the globe”, pointed out Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
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 pure jet propulsion, instead of turboprops. The air-to-air refueling (AAR) configuration, designated the KC-390, has also demonstrated its capabilities during operations with the Brazilian Air Force. It is cleared to refuel different fighter aircraft, and is also able to receive fuel from other KC-390 using pods under the wing. In addition to Brazil, the C-390 has been ordered by Portugal and Hungary, both NATO countries. The Netherlands, Austria and Czech Republic have also selected the C-390.
