- Journalists Get First-Hand Experience of Embraer’s C-390 at Farnborough
By Sangeeta Saxena
Farnborough, UK. 22 July 2024. It has been twenty four hours plus but the euphoria of travelling in the Brazilian made Embraer C-390 Millennium has still not died down. Taking my first flight on this military transport aircraft is an experience I will always remember, as an aviation enthusiast and journalist.
The day began with a mixture of excitement and expectancy. Reading and hearing extensively about the C-390 and its capabilities, but experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different prospect. As I arrived at the Farnborough Airshow at 10.30 AM on a day before the show took off, team Embraer was there to receive and take the journalists to the imposing sight of the aircraft. Its sleek design and robust structure immediately conveyed a sense of strength and reliability. The C-390 Millennium, also known as the KC-390 for its aerial refuelling variant, is Embraer’s flagship military transport aircraft, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue.
As an Indian my interest was also double fold for Embraer has responded to the RFI floated by Indian Air Force for the MTA. Lockheed Martin, Embraer & Airbus are in contention for Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme. IAF is looking to procure 40-80 aircraft to replace old AN-32s & IL-76s. The RFP is awaited.
In February this year Embraer Defence & Security and Mahindra had announced the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to fulfil the Indian Air Force’s future Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project’s goal of acquiring the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft. This was signed at the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi by Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security and Vinod Sahay, President, Aerospace & Defence Sector Mahindra Defence Systems.
Boarding the C-390 Millennium was through the spacious cargo hold, capable of accommodating up to 26 metric tons of cargo. The aircraft’s design emphasized versatility and efficiency, with features like a rear ramp for quick loading and unloading, a fully pressurized cargo bay, and the ability to carry oversized cargo such as helicopters and armoured vehicles. The modern avionics and ergonomic cockpit were equally impressive, reflecting Embraer’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into their aircraft.
Once onboard, the flight crew conducted a thorough briefing, explaining the aircraft’s features and the flight plan. As we taxied to the runway, the anticipation grew. The take off was smooth and powerful, demonstrating the aircraft’s impressive thrust and agility. The C-390 Millennium is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500 turbofan engines, which provide a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h) and a range of over 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 kilometers). In comparison to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, the C-390 can carry a larger payload and travel farther and faster claimed the officials who were with us on the flight. It can also operate on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. The KC-390 aircraft, which is equipped with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, has demonstrated its ability to refuel from the air in both tanker and receiver roles. In this instance, it has done so by use underwing pods to receive fuel from another KC-390.
During the flight, I had the opportunity to explore the aircraft’s capabilities. The C-390 Millennium is a new generation military multi-mission aircraft that brings great mobility, high productivity and operation flexibility at low operational costs on a single, unique modern platform. It can be converted from a freighter to a medevac to fire fighter to troop transport to a mid air refueller to a SAR/HADR operations aircraft. The flight crew who were from Embraer demonstrated various manoeuvres, showcasing the C-390 Millennium’s quick ability to change as per the mission undertaken with stability and responsiveness. The advanced Cargo Handling System (CHS) provides high flexibility and productivity levels, merging a modern solution for software controlled cargo locking with proven cargo handling mechanical solutions. The CHS is designed to be easily and quickly reconfigured for different missions without the need for special tools. The cargo floor can be changed from flat to a roller configuration with the flip-over capability. The CHS features all the necessary accessories to facilitate cargo loading, restraining and offloading, such as tie-down rings, roller trays, cargo guidance and restraint systems.
The C-390 Millennium is a testament to Embraer’s innovation and engineering prowess. Inside the cockpit was an experience which both the pilots insisted on giving us first hand. The aircraft incorporates numerous advanced features, such as the Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, which offers enhanced situational awareness and simplified mission planning. The integrated self-protection systems, including radar and infrared countermeasures, provide robust defence against various threats, ensuring the aircraft’s survivability in hostile environments. The advanced fly-by-wire control system, combined with state-of-the-art avionics, ensured precise handling and enhanced safety throughout the flight. The C-390 has demonstrated its capability, dependability, and performance since going into service with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. The fleet of aircraft in use as of June 26, 2024, has flown more than 13,000 hours, has an operating availability of about 80%, and has a mission completion rate of over 99%, indicating high productivity in the class. At the end of June 2024, the Portuguese Air Force received delivery of the second KC-390. The platform satisfies the standards established by Portugal’s National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) and is equipped with standard NATO equipment that is already installed into the aircraft. The C-390 Millennium and the air-to-air refueling configuration the KC-390 has been selected by seven countries: Brazil, Portugal (NATO configuration), Hungary (NATO), Austria (NATO), Netherlands (NATO), Czech Republic (NATO), and South Korea.
The C-390 Millennium requires fewer on-demand inspections and maintenance, combined with proven highly reliable systems and components, which reduces the time on the ground and overall operating costs, explained the officials on board the flight. The Embraer C-390 Millennium offers the ideal balance between cutting-edge thinking and established, dependable technology, ensuring the best of both worlds: performance and novelty. offers the highest level of cargo capacity and air mobility among military tactical transport aircraft. Future CNS/ATM requirements will be fully met by it. Military mission systems include: tactical radar; self-protection systems (IR and radar threats); cutting edge cargo handling system with continuous computational drop point to precise aerial resupply; installation of medical evacuation litters and provisioning of intensive care units; EO/IR pod for search and rescue and patrol; and other integrated mission systems capabilities like Night Vision systems. Interoperability in data-centric multi-domain networked environments.
Suddenly one thought struck for the first time the need for ear plugs in a transport aircraft was not felt. We did tie the belts but except for a routine take off jerk which was minimal, the need was not felt and the icing on the cake was the landing which felt just like a passenger aircraft landing. No air filling the ears and no rickety rackety landing on the tarmac. Infact it was better than many passenger aircraft. Highlight of the aircraft was a bathroom at the front, after the seating area with a proper door to lock.
The C-390 MILLENNIUM is undergoing a full military certification process built over a dual certification approach from beginning. This hybrid process combines the efforts of both civil and military airworthiness authorities. This approach ensures the aircraft can safely accomplish all its military missions. The C-390 MILLENNIUM basic platform is being developed and
certified by the Brazilian Civil airworthiness authority in accordance with FAA 14 CFR Part 25 standards. The military certification complements the civil certification with military standards, specifications and criteria in order to cover the military mission accomplishment, military items and systems.
What does high payload capacity mean was a question answered by the officials during the flight. It means Capacity for payload: 57,320 pounds (26,000 kg) , Eight attendants, 74 stretchers, 80 soldiers , Sixty-six paratroopers , 7 master pallets in 463 litres
36 troops and six 463L master pallets.
What does the fuel capacity indicate? Three auxiliary fuel tanks and 50,700–77,160 pounds (23,000–35,000 kg) of gasoline. Compared to other medium-sized transports, such as the Lockheed C-130 (42,000 lbs, 19,090 kg) and the Antonov An-178 (39,600 lbs, 18,000 kg), the Embraer C-390 Millennium has a larger cargo capacity. Up to the maximum cargo capacity of the aircraft, heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles can be transported by it. There are restraints for loads weighing 10,000 pounds (4,545 kg) and 25,000 pounds (11,364 kg) in each of the tie-down ring grids. The Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of the C-390 is 191,800 pounds (87,000 kg).
My first flight on the Embraer C-390 Millennium was an experience that highlighted the aircraft’s exceptional design, performance, and versatility. Embraer has created a military transport aircraft that not only meets but exceeds the demanding requirements of modern military operations. This flight reinforced my appreciation for the engineering marvels that Embraer produces.
