Embraer announced on 1 November 2024 that it will provide training solutions for the C-390 Millenium tanker/transport aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). The agreement includes a full flight simulator and a cargo handling station trainer developed with Rheinmetall as well as a computer-based trainer developed with ETI. The companies expect the training solutions to be operational by the end of 2026.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a contract on 22 July 2024 for the acquisition of nine C-390 Millennium aircraft, five of which will go to the RNLAF and four to the Austrian Air Force, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
“The new training devices offered to the Royal Netherlands Air Force are a significant milestone on our long-term relationship,” Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Working in partnership with Rheinmetall and ETI, Embraer is focused on providing the best-in-class training solutions required by our customers. We have tailored these solutions aiming on every detail needed by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and we are looking forward to deepening our relationship even more in the coming years.”
“The C-390 training devices will enable the Royal Netherlands Air Force to prepare and train their missions in a most realistic environment,” added Stefan Klaes, Rheinmetall’s head of sales for aviation systems. “We are committed, together with our partner Embraer, to provide the best training systems and services for C-390 for the years to come.”
The Level-D qualifiable C-390 flight simulator includes operation under both normal and emergency conditions, including military operations, and can instigate more than 350 malfunctions for training purposes. In addition, the simulator is easy to maintain and comfortable for training pilots.
The cargo handling station trainer, meanwhile, will provide comprehensive training for loadmasters, flight crews and other users. It will make use of state-of-the-art visual representation technology to provide an interior view of the cargo hold and an exterior view of the entire aircraft.
Finally, the computer-based trainer provides theoretical instruction for pilots, loadmasters, additional crew members and maintenance personnel through a learning management system compatible with sharable content object reference model (SCORM) technology.
