The Embraer C-390 Millennium: A Masterpiece of Innovation and Excellence

Date 23.2.2023

Setting New Standards in Medium Air Mobility with Unmatched Flexibility and Advanced Technology

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a masterpiece of innovation and excellence; a new multi-mission military transport aircraft setting new standards in the category. Designed to meet the very demanding specification set by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the aircraft brings a new concept to the market, offering a versatile and multi-mission platform with very low operating costs and fast turnaround: an unbeatable combination. The C-390 provides air forces with exceptional fleet performance with a cost-effective combination of high levels of availability and productivity.

C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

Designed and developed by Embraer, a global aerospace company with more than 50 years of history, the C-390 is part of a modern and innovative product’s portfolio offered by Embraer Defense & Security. Embraer has built its reputation for quality through the constant evolution of its commercial, executive, and defence portfolio. Its experience in supporting commercial aviation operations has created an ethos of high availability and maintainability; this has been incorporated into the C-390, Embraer’s most modern and sophisticated transport aircraft.

The C-390 Millennium’s military mission systems are truly impressive. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the tactical radar, self-protection, avionics, vision enhancement, cargo handling and air drop. The ‘one aircraft many capabilities’ concept enables rapid reconfiguration for aerial resupply; aerial assault; air-to-air refuelling (the KC-390 variant); aerial firefighting; Search and Rescue (SAR); humanitarian aid; medical evacuation; and support to Special Operations. The C-390 can also be fitted with a removable EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) pod to enhance SAR, Maritime Patrol and Special Operations capabilities. 

The C-390 is built to withstand any challenge, whether it is the hottest, highest, driest areas in the world or the coldest in the ice and snow of the Arctic and Antarctica regions. It is designed to operate in austere environments with minimal ground support, including operations from unpaved (natural surface) or damaged runways.

Air forces are looking for an aircraft that is multi-mission capable and that is easy to maintain and operate. The C-390 offers flexibility, advanced technology, and the ability to operate in austere environments, which makes it the perfect match for any mission. Its built-in rapidly reconfigurable multi-mission design and maintainability features make it a cost-effective and efficient choice”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. 

 

C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

In comparison to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, the C-390 Millennium is a powerhouse. It flies faster (470 KCAS), carries more (max payload 26 tonnes), and goes further (1470 nm for 23 tonnes). In terms of range, speed, and payload it is 40% more effective than a medium lift turboprop. 

“The C-390 is establishing a position for itself in the market as the next generation multi-mission transport aircraft. It’s impressive performance, demonstrated on operations with the Brazilian Air Force and through participation in joint exercises with other air forces, is gaining the attention of governments and air forces around the world,” complements Bosco da Costa Junior

 

C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

Highlights:

  • With the Embraer C-390 Millennium, Embraer has demonstrated a new generation of thinking, and created a new generation of aircraft.

  • Designed with flexibility at its core it offers unrivalled air mobility and cargo capacity in the military tactical transport aircraft category.

  • Fully compliant with future CNS/ATM requirements and equipped with state-of-the-art military mission systems.

  • Designed to operate in austere environments, from the driest desert areas to the icy conditions in the Arctic and Antarctica.

  •  A rapidly reconfigurable multi-mission design and maintainability that makes it an optimal choice for fleet performance.

  • The aircraft has been acquired by Portugal and Hungary, with deliveries scheduled in 2023 and 2024.

 

C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

 

Why C-390 Millennium

The Embraer C-390 Millennium provides the perfect blend of mature and proven technology with state-of-the-art thinking to ensure the best of both worlds – reliability and new experience in performance. Delivers unrivalled air mobility and cargo capacity in the military tactical transport aircraft category.

It is fully compliant with future CNS/ATM requirements and military mission systems include: tactical radar; self-protection systems (IR and radar threats); state-of-the-art cargo handling system with continued computational drop point to precise aerial resupply; troopers and paratroopers seats and parachute  static line bags recovery; roll-on/roll-off modular airborne fire-fighting system; medical evacuation litters installation and intensive care units provisions; EO/IR pod for search & rescue and patrol; and other integrated mission systems capabilities including Night Vision systems. Interoperability in multi-domain networked data centric environments. 

Designed to operate in austere environments from the driest desert areas in the World to the icy conditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, including the Amazon region, where humidity levels average a breath-catching 88%, and operations with minimal ground support, including flight operations from unpaved or damaged runways. 

 

KC-390 air-to-air refuelling variant. Speed range enables probe-and-drogue AAR for fast fighter aircraft to helicopters; AAR pairings clearances already exist. Built-in rapidly reconfigurable multi-mission design – enhanced cargo handling system enabling quick reconfigurations from one mission to another, all mission’s configuration takes less than a duty day from ground operation/maintenance crew to be held.

 

Designed for Maintainability.  

The C-390 Millennium bringsA to operators a combination of mature solutions such as IAE V2500 eEngines, with accrued 240 millions of hours in commercial aviation operations and the widest global maintenance, support & spare part net and innovations, as well as the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics, with all Mission Systems integrated to the avionics and Fly-By-Wire system, which negates the need for any control cable inspections and adjustments, reducing the maintenance. Also, the, use of commercial aircraft techniques and experience (MSG-3,On-board Maintenance System) to delivers the same airliner reliability and availability levels to military operators, and no scheduled airframe depot level maintenance, with reduced time on ground for maintenance. It provides air forces with optimal fleet performance generated by a cost-effective combination of high availability and productivity.

Acquisitions

In addition to Brazil, the aircraft has been acquired by Portugal (five aircraft) and Hungary (two aircraft), both NATO nations. The next step is the integration and tests of NATO systems, which will occur in Portugal in the first half of 2023, enabled by local industrial cooperation and participation, prior to the first delivery to the Portuguese Air Force. The first Hungarian aircraft is due to be delivered in 2024.

In June 2022, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence announced the selection of a fleet of five C-390 Millennium aircraft to replace their current fleet of C-130 Hercules, highlighting the performance and operational output of the aircraft as a key reason for their decision.

Embraer continues to play an active role in defence markets identified as having potential for new business. The technical competence of The Royal Netherlands Air Force represented a quality stamp for the C-390 and caused an immediate increase in the interest of the global market for the aircraft which, associated with the current geopolitical scenario, accelerated the requests for information about the C-390 by potential customers.

C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

The C-390 in Brazil

 

Since its first delivery to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The aircraft has been used in operations to transport equipment and medical supplies, ranging from liquid oxygen to vehicles across Brazil at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. Brazil’s current fleet of C-390s, all in its refuelling configuration (KC-390), stands at five aircraft of the 19 on order. The fleet has exceeded 7,500 flight hours to date with a mission completion rate of 99% which is outstanding availability and productivity for aircraft in this category. 

 

A FAB C-390 Millennium has recently resupplied the Brazilian Antarctic research station through airdrop, reinforcing the aircraft’s performance and utility in challenging environments and operational conditions. In its first mission to Antarctica, the C-390 Millennium delivered nine packages to the grateful personnel at the research station. If required the aircraft can airdrop 24 CDS (Container Delivery System) bundles up to a combined total of 21,400 kg. The aircraft took off from the city of Punta Arenas, south of Chile, carrying the supplies to the Brazilian research station and flew back non-stop.

 

Despite the limited drop zone, the highly accurate airdrop system allowed the release of two packages simultaneously, reducing the operation time in half from missions executed in the past with other aircraft types. The packages all landed within an average of 30 meters from the desired impact point on the drop zone, despite of the heavy winds in area, proving the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft.

 

The aircraft has demonstrated and proven that it can swiftly and effectively respond to situations such as displaced person evacuation missions, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions and the full range of military air transport operations including dirt and damaged field operations.

 

The aircraft already participates in military exercises around the world, such as Operation Culminating, in the US. This was an operational joint exercise where the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force took part alongside the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The Embraer C-390, C-130 and C-17 operated together for the first time during this joint exercise and both Air Forces were pleased with the performance of the C-390 and the results of the exercise.

 

Recently, a C-390 Millennium took part in the Multinational Combined Air Exercise SALITRE IV operation in the Atacama Desert region, described as the driest desert in the world, performing in-flight refuelling missions. The objective of Exercise SALITRE IV is to expand cooperation and relationships between air forces from South America, the US and Canada, increasing their interoperability through common planning in a NATO format.



Stay up to date

with the latest news from Aerospace!

Your email address will only ever be used for Newsletters campaings with the legal agreement of your Privacy Policy. You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe in every email if you no longer wish to receive emails from us.


TOP Interviews

Awakening the Challenger: The Unstoppable Rise of Arex Defense, Guided by The Vision of its Charismatic Leader, Tim Castagne

Awakening the Challenger: The Unstoppable Rise of Arex Defense, Guided by The Vision of its Charismatic Leader, Tim Castagne

Date 23.8.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the tranquil heart of Slovenia, amid enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, emerges a promising contender in the world of defense technology. Nestled in this serene corner of Europe, Arex Defense, a company once shrouded in obscurity, is now positioned to disrupt the global defense sector with its unparalleled expertise and revolutionary products. Guiding this […]

Top Aces: Revolutionizing Air Combat Training with Elite Expertise and Next-Generation Technology

Top Aces: Revolutionizing Air Combat Training with Elite Expertise and Next-Generation Technology

Date 26.7.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the vast and often turbulent skies of global geopolitics, every maneuver carries an importance akin to a well-coordinated flight formation. Each decision, like a finely tuned adjustment of pitch or roll, contributes to the overall trajectory of a situation. Modern challenges, such as the escalating Ukrainian crisis, are like powerful jet streams that shape […]

A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE: A TALE OF TRIUMPH OVER TURBULENCE

A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE: A TALE OF TRIUMPH OVER TURBULENCE

Date 30.8.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the heart of Tussenhausen-Mattsies, a phoenix named GROB AIRCRAFT emerged in 1971. Its golden jubilee in 2021 marked not just the passage of 50 years, but a remarkable journey of innovation that continues to soar as it reaches its 52nd year in 2023. This avant-garde aircraft manufacturer, nestled amidst cutting-edge production facilities and boasting […]

Shaping Aeronautical Excellence: Blending Passion, Innovation, and Expertise at Neo Energy Aviation Academy

Shaping Aeronautical Excellence: Blending Passion, Innovation, and Expertise at Neo Energy Aviation Academy

Date 2.8.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

Situated at the intersection of fervor, strategic investment, and disruptive innovation, the Neo Energy Aviation Academy (NEA) exemplifies the future trajectory of aviation training. Central figures of the academy, Gunnar Hasse and Tom Reinert, have illuminated the genesis, goals, and transformational methodologies employed at NEA. As NEA’s Managing Director and Accountable Manager, Gunnar Hasse, and […]

Show more

Stay up to date

with the latest news from Aerospace!

Your email address will only ever be used for Newsletters campaings with the legal agreement of your Privacy Policy. You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe in every email if you no longer wish to receive emails from us.

More news

Neo Energy Aviation Academy: Elevating the Standards of Test Flight Training

Neo Energy Aviation Academy: Elevating the Standards of Test Flight Training

Date 11.9.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the ever-evolving world of aviation, staying ahead requires not only innovative technology but also superior training that prepares pilots and engineers for the challenges ahead. Neo Energy Aviation Academy, a name familiar to our readers through our previous two editions of Aerospace Central Europe (ACE), continues to redefine the standards of specialized flight training. […]

Unmanned and Unstoppable: The Emergence of UAVs in Modern Aviation

Unmanned and Unstoppable: The Emergence of UAVs in Modern Aviation

Date 19.9.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the past 15 years, the aviation industry has seen an unprecedented evolution. Marking significant milestones from the birth of powered flight to the advent of jet propulsion, and now embracing the electrifying era of electric-powered aircraft, the sector continues to redefine innovation. The spotlight, however, is now shining brightly on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Once […]

Rising from Pandemic Challenges: ELDIS Pardubice’s Explosive Growth & Global Radar Revolution

Rising from Pandemic Challenges: ELDIS Pardubice’s Explosive Growth & Global Radar Revolution

Date 19.9.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

ELDIS Pardubice is growing, tackling new projects, and hiring employees. A side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was the temporary suppression of air traffic, leading to a drop in revenue for air traffic control in many countries. As a result, these organizations had to cancel or postpone recruitment and dampen air transportation development. Among those […]

Top Aces to spotlight at DSEI 2023: meet the representatives

Top Aces to spotlight at DSEI 2023: meet the representatives

Date 11.9.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

Today’s kickoff of the DSEI conference in London is showcasing the crème de la crème of the defence and security industry, and among those in the limelight is Top Aces, a company that is redefining air combat training standards on a global scale. Having recently been featured in our publication, Aerospace Central Europe (ACE), the […]

Pilot training and aerial mastery: FUTURE AIR FORCE CONFERENCE 2023

Pilot training and aerial mastery: FUTURE AIR FORCE CONFERENCE 2023

Date 1.9.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the rapidly evolving realm of aviation, a pioneering event is on the horizon. Aerospace Central Europe (ACE) Magazine, as a prominent European voice on pilot training, is privileged to collaborate with the Future Air Force Conference 2023. Set against the backdrop of Prague’s opulence at Hotel Lindner, this symposium promises to be an epicentre […]

Unveiling the potential of Aero’s L‑39NG in modern defense aviation

Unveiling the potential of Aero’s L‑39NG in modern defense aviation

Date 8.8.2023

fl_en|fl_cs

In the realm of aviation, various aircraft fill the skies, each with its unique purpose and capability. Among these, Aero’s L‑39NG, emerging from the heritage of the iconic L-39 series, holds a special place, standing as a testament to over a hundred years of aviation tradition in the heart of Europe. The L‑39NG represents Aero’s […]

Show more
Subscribe to our magazineRegister now