The C-390 Millennium has already proven its capacity, reliability, and performance since entering operation with the FAB in 2019.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium for the FAB is a modern military tactical transport aircraft, capable of carrying more payload (26 tons) than other medium-sized military cargo aircraft.
Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has achieved a major milestone with its C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program. The aircraft has been awarded the Full Operational Capability (FOC) certificate, confirming that it meets all the requirements defined by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and can carry out all missions for which it was designed.
The C-390 Millennium is a modern military tactical transport aircraft, capable of carrying more payload (26 tons) than other medium-sized military cargo aircraft. It can also fly faster (470 knots) and farther, making it suitable for a wide range of missions, including transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, including packed earth, soil, and gravel.
“This certificate places the C-390 in a select group of aircraft in the world,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “It is a unique moment in Embraer’s history. The C-390 is redefining the military airlift and refueling space, challenging the thinking behind current and future generation platforms. Air forces around the world are focused on matching their ever-evolving operational needs with their budgets, seeking a platform that can perform multiple missions, recognizing that today’s choice will affect their operational capabilities tomorrow,” he further added.
The C-390 Millennium has already proven its capacity, reliability, and performance since entering operation with the FAB in 2019. The current fleet of five aircraft, all in the aerial refueling version, designated KC-390, has already accumulated more than 8,200 flight hours. Recent figures show an operational availability of around 80%, with a mission completion rate above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
“This is the KC-390, the aircraft that embodies the true meaning of the word “perseverance”. Wherever it is, there will be the Brazilian State; there will be the order and progress of a nation that aligns itself with the idea that the full development of democracy cannot dispense with inviolable sovereignty. Finally, I wish that these feelings of “brazilianness” and pride, which we now experience, will emerge in each citizen, when contemplating the skies and verifying that the “wings that protect and integrate the country” and Embraer are heading united in the purpose of ensuring a solid future with the strategic stature of our beloved Brazil,” said Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Lieutenant-Brigadier, Brazil Air Force Commander.
Embraer has also begun the delivery process to the FAB of the sixth unit of the C-390, the first in the FOC configuration. The other aircraft already delivered to the FAB will now be updated to have the certification. In addition, all aircraft to be exported will also have this certification.
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The C-390 Millennium has orders from Portugal and Hungary, both NATO member countries. The Netherlands, also a member of NATO, selected the C-390 Millennium in 2022. Embraer’s C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program is setting a new standard for military airlift and refueling capabilities and is a testament to the excellence of Brazilian engineering and innovation.
