A Guide to the Embraer C-390 and KC-390

A significant presence at both the recent Farnborough Air Show and Royal International Air Tattoo was Embraer’s rising transport aircraft, the C-390 Milennium.

Since it entered service in 2019, the Brazilian manufacturer has been actively promoting and looking for sales for the capable aircraft, which to date has eight active examples in service.

History of the Embraer C-390

The Embraer C-390 Millennium, and its air-to-air refueling variant, the KC-390, represent significant advancements in medium military transport aircraft, blending versatility, performance, and modern avionics. Conceived in the early 2000s, the C-390 aimed to address a gap in the market for a capable and cost-effective medium-lift military transport aircraft, providing an alternative to established models like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

Development Timeline:

2006: Embraer announced its intent to enter the military transport market with a new jet-powered aircraft.

2009: The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officially supported the project, which catalyzed its development.

2010: Detailed design phase initiated, focusing on integrating advanced technologies while ensuring the aircraft met diverse operational requirements.

2011: The KC-390 variant, featuring additional air-to-air refueling capabilities, was unveiled, enhancing the platform’s versatility.

2014: The first prototype was rolled out, marking a significant milestone.

2015: The maiden flight occurred on February 3, showcasing the aircraft’s performance and capabilities.

2018: The C-390 achieved initial operational capability (IOC) after extensive testing and evaluation, leading to its entry into service with the Brazilian Air Force.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities:

Performance: The C-390 is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofan engines, delivering exceptional thrust and fuel efficiency. The aircraft boasts a top speed of 470 knots (870 km/h) and a range of up to 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 kilometers) with a 14-ton payload.

Payload Capacity: It can carry up to 26 tons of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles, helicopters, and a variety of military equipment, outstripping many of its turboprop competitors.

Versatility: The KC-390 variant includes a probe-and-drogue refueling system, enabling it to serve as a tanker for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. This dual role significantly enhances operational flexibility.

Avionics: The aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art Pro Line Fusion avionics suite by Collins Aerospace, featuring advanced communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. The glass cockpit and fly-by-wire controls contribute to reduced pilot workload and enhanced safety.

Operational Flexibility: The C-390/KC-390 supports various missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions. Its robust design allows operations from semi-prepared airstrips, increasing its deployment scenarios.

Key Entry into Service Dates:

2019: The Brazilian Air Force formally inducted the KC-390 into service, replacing older platforms and enhancing its strategic and tactical airlift capabilities.

2020-Present: The C-390 Millennium has attracted interest from international customers, with Portugal and Hungary among the first foreign operators, reflecting its growing global footprint.

In summary, the Embraer C-390 and KC-390 represent a leap forward in medium transport aircraft, offering a blend of speed, payload capacity, and versatility unmatched by previous generation platforms. Their development and entry into service mark a significant achievement for Embraer and the broader military aviation community.

C-390 Orders

The KC-390 tanker variant, in service with the Portuguese Air Force

At present the Embraer C-390 is in service with the Brazilian Air Force. Additionally the Portuguese Air Force has two of the KC-390 tanker variants in service. Both have additional aircraft on order.

Future operators of the C-390 will include South Korea, which placed an order for three aircraft in 2023, and at the Farnborough Air Show a joint order was announced from Austria and the Netherlands for nine of the aircraft (four for Austria; five for the Netherlands). Deliveries from 2027 will see the type replacing older Lockheed C-130 Hercules types.

According to Flight Global, Embraer sees a market for close to 500 transport types in the next 20 years, mainly to replace older types like the Hercules and Antonov An-32 in military transport roles.

Various countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and South Africa are all thought to be close to ordering the type.

Embraer hopes to ramp up production to six aircraft per year from 2026, by which time more orders are likely to be in place.