Embraer C-390 Millennium Fact Sheet

Introduction

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine, jet-powered medium tactical transport aircraft designed and produced by Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. Engineered as a modern, multi-mission platform, it combines jet speed and payload capacity with high fuel efficiency. The aircraft conducts troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling, search and rescue, and aeromedical evacuation.

General Information

• Type: Medium tactical transport aircraft / aerial refueling tanker

• Manufacturer: Embraer

• First Flight: 3 February 2015

• Status: In service

• Primary Users: Brazilian Air Force, Portuguese Air Force, Hungarian Air Force, Czech Air Force, Uzbekistan Air Force

• Number Built: Approximately 15 to 20 aircraft (ongoing production)

History

Development began in the mid-2000s as Embraer explored an airframe based on its E-Jet commercial airliners, which evolved into a clean-sheet military transport design. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to replace aging turboprop tactical transports. Following its maiden flight in 2015, flight testing led to civil certification in 2018. The aircraft officially entered military operational service in September 2019.

Design

The C-390 Millennium features a high-wing configuration, a T-tail layout, and an unpaved-runway-capable landing gear system. Power comes from two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofans mounted on forward pylons. The flight deck integrates a full fly-by-wire control system alongside Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics and dual head-up displays. Its hold accommodates up to 26 metric tons of payload, including armored vehicles, helicopters, or standard pallets, using an automated handling and loading ramp system.

Operational Impact

The jet-powered design enables faster transit times, higher cruise altitudes, and reduced operational costs compared to traditional turboprop transports. The platform provides tactical mobility from short, unpaved airfields while delivering strategic airbridge capability over intercontinental distances. During humanitarian and logistics missions, the type demonstrates high operational availability and rapid mission system reconfiguration.

Variants

• C-390 Millennium: Standard multi-mission tactical military transport variant for cargo, troops, search and rescue, and firefighting.

• KC-390 Millennium: Multi-role transport variant equipped with wing-mounted probe-and-drogue pods for air-to-air refueling.

• C-390 IVR: Proposed maritime patrol, intelligence, and anti-submarine warfare variant under evaluation.

Operators

• Current Operators: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, Czech Republic, Uzbekistan.

• Former Operators: None.

• Future Operators: Austria, Colombia, Greece, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates.

Specifications

General Characteristics

• Crew: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster

• Capacity: 80 passengers, or 64 paratroopers, or 74 stretchers with medical personnel, or up to 26 metric tons payload

• Length: 35.2 meters

• Wingspan: 35.05 meters

• Height: 11.84 meters

• Empty Weight: 35,000 kilograms

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 87,000 kilograms

• Powerplant: 2 × IAE V2500-E5 turbofans, producing 13,154 kilograms-force thrust each

Performance

• Maximum Speed: 980 km/h

• Cruise Speed: 870 km/h (Mach 0.80)

• Range: 2,000 kilometers (with 26 metric tons payload)

• Ferry Range: 6,240 kilometers

• Service Ceiling: 11,000 meters

Armament

• Self-defense countermeasures, chaffe/flare dispensers, and integrated missile approach warning systems.

• Modular roll-on/roll-off mission hardware and non-kinetic weaponry systems.

The Embraer C-390 Millennium represents a major modern advancement in tactical military airlift technology. Its jet speed, modular payload flexibility, and unpaved airfield performance establish it as a viable global alternative to traditional turboprop transports. As defense forces modernize air mobility fleets, the C-390 continues expanding its global footprint across NATO and international air forces.