The full operational capability (FOC) of the Embraer C-390 Millennium tanker-transport aircraft in Brazilian service was declared during a ceremony at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto site in São Paulo on 3 April 2023 that was also attended by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) High Command.
Issued by the Institute of Industrial Development and Coordination (IFI in Portuguese), the Brazilian body responsible for certifying aircraft for military purposes, the FOC certification confirms that the C-390 programme has met all of the requirements defined by the FAB and that the aircraft can carry out all of the missions for which it was designed.
“This certificate places the C-390 in a select group of aircraft in the world,” Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “It is a unique moment in Embraer’s history. The C-390 is redefining the military airlift and refuelling space, challenging the thinking behind current- and future-generation platforms.”
Developed since 2008 according to the FAB’s operational requirements, which included the ability to operate from semi-prepared or damaged airfields, the C-390 is powered by twin IAE V2500-E5 turbofans each delivering up to 31,330 lb of thrust and is controlled by a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion fly-by-wire avionics system. It has a maximum concentrated payload of 26 tonnes, at which is has a range of 1,080 n miles, but can achieve a ferry range of 4,570 with internal tanks. With a wingspan of 35.05 m and a length of 35.2 m, the C-390 has a cargo hold volume of 169 m3. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 470 KTAS and a ceiling of 36,000 ft.
The first C-390 made its maiden flight on 3 February 2015 and during the type’s development around 3,500 hours were flown on the prototype aircraft under varied operating conditions and another 85,000 hours performed on laboratory test benches.
The C-390’s FOC certification coincided with Embraer beginning the delivery process to the FAB of the sixth C-390, which is the first aircraft in an FOC configuration. The aircraft already delivered to the FAB, as well as all aircraft to be exported, will now be updated to the FOC standard.
Essentially a tactical transport aircraft, the C-390 can perform a wide range of tasks beyond transporting cargo and troops, including aerial refuelling (both fixed and rotary wing), medical evacuation, search and rescue, paradrop missions, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. In its KC-390 refuelling configuration the C-390 can also receive fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
The C-390 entered Brazilian service in 2019, with the FAB currently operating a fleet of five aircraft, all of which are KC-390s.
Beyond Brazil, in July 2017 Portugal ordered five C-390s with an option for a sixth, while in November 2020 Embraer announced that Hungary had ordered two KC-390s. In June 2022 the Netherlands Ministry of Defence announced that it had selected the C-390 to succeed the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s fleet of C-130H Hercules transports, with five aircraft expected to be ordered.
The type has already accumulated more than 8,200 flight hours in FAB service, with Embraer stating that recent figures show an operational availability of around 80% with a mission completion rate above 99%.
Peter Felstead
