Embraer Begins Production of Austria’s First C-390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft

Embraer has officially started the structural assembly of Austria’s first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft at its Gavião Peixoto production facility in Brazil. This milestone marks Austria’s entry into the growing list of nations adopting the C-390, a multi-role transport aircraft known for its efficiency, versatility, and superior performance in military and humanitarian missions.

A Game-Changer in Military Transport

The C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized, multi-mission military transport aircraft designed to replace older fleets of transporters like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Unlike traditional aircraft in its class, the C-390 incorporates modern avionics, powerful engines, and a robust airframe, enabling it to handle a wide variety of missions with greater speed and payload capacity.

Key Features and Performance

• Maximum Payload Capacity: 26 tonnes (57,300 lbs), surpassing older transport aircraft in its category.
• Top Speed: 470 knots (870 km/h), making it the fastest transport aircraft in its class.
• Range: Over 6,000 km when lightly loaded, providing long-haul capabilities.
• Cargo Hold & Rear Ramp: Spacious cargo bay capable of carrying armored vehicles, helicopters, and large cargo loads, with a built-in rear ramp for rapid deployment.
• Reinforced Landing Gear: Can operate on unpaved runways and austere environments, making it ideal for combat and disaster relief missions.

Multi-Mission Capabilities

Austria’s C-390 Millennium will be deployed in various operational scenarios, including:

• Military Cargo and Troop Transport – Rapid deployment of personnel and heavy equipment.
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief – Transporting emergency supplies and personnel to crisis-hit areas.
• Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) – Configurable for airlifting wounded personnel with advanced medical facilities.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) – Extended range and speed enhance response capabilities in emergencies.
• Peacekeeping and Special Forces Operations – Tactical support for international security missions.
• Air-to-Air Refueling (KC-390 Variant) – The aircraft can function as a tanker and receiver, using wing-mounted refueling pods.

Proven Performance and Reliability

Since its induction into the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated remarkable operational efficiency:

• Over 16,300 flight hours accumulated across multiple global missions.
• Mission completion rate exceeding 99%, proving its reliability.
• 93% mission capability rate, making it one of the most dependable aircraft in military service.

Austria Joins an Expanding Global User Base

Austria is now part of a growing list of C-390 operators, which includes:

• Brazil (First operator, with multiple aircraft in service)
• Portugal
• Hungary
• Netherlands
• Czech Republic
• South Korea
• Sweden, Slovakia, and an undisclosed customer in 2024

As Austria moves forward with its first C-390, it underscores the aircraft’s increasing popularity as a cost-effective, next-generation transport solution in the global defense sector.

With its cutting-edge design, superior payload capacity, and combat-proven performance, the C-390 Millennium is fast becoming the preferred choice for modern air forces worldwide.