C-390 Millennium

C-390 Millennium

Type: Transport Aircraft

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Brazil

Manufacturer: Embraer Defense & Security

Overview

Brazilian twin-engine jet tactical transport aircraft selected by Netherlands to replace aging C-130H Hercules fleet — representing one of the most significant C-390 export orders and European confidence in Brazilian aerospace industry. Netherlands ordered 5 C-390 Millennium aircraft in 2019 with deliveries expected from 2026 onwards. The C-390 features twin turbofan engines (IAE V2500) providing jet speed of Mach 0.80 (470 knots) — significantly faster than turboprop C-130, maximum payload of 26 tonnes (similar to C-130J), cargo hold accommodating vehicles and palletized cargo with rear ramp for airdrop operations, aerial refueling capability (receiving and giving with optional hose-and-drogue system), maximum range of 2,600+ nautical miles with payload or 6,000+ nautical miles ferry range, modern glass cockpit with fly-by-wire controls, and multi-mission capability including cargo transport, paratroop drops, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting (with belly tanks), and humanitarian assistance. Cruise altitude up to 36,000 feet. Crew of 2-3 pilots. The jet engines provide significantly improved performance in hot-and-high conditions compared to turboprops. Dutch C-390s will operate with 336 Squadron at Eindhoven Air Base replacing C-130H fleet. Represents successful Brazilian-European defense cooperation with Netherlands driving additional NATO interest in the type. Portugal and Austria also operate C-390.

Technical Specifications

crew2 (pilots) + loadmaster
range~2,800 km (max payload)
engines2x CFM56-5B turbofan
payload~26 tonnes
rear_rampYes — paratroop, cargo, MEDEVAC
cruise_speed~870 km/h
manufacturerEmbraer, Brazil

Operators

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