• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

EMBRAER C-390

The C-390 MILLENNIUM is the new generation military multi-mission aircraft that brings unrivaled mobility, high productivity and operation flexibility at low operational costs on a single and unique modern platform. The C-390 is capable of transporting and launching cargo and troops and performing a wide array of missions including: medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian search and rescue, aerial refueling (fighters and helicopters), aerial firefighting and humanitarian assistance.

Multi-mission capability to perform more with a single aircraft.This provides air forces with optimal fleet performance generated by a cost-effective combination of high availability and productivity. Reducing time on the ground and in the air improves mission success and help saving lives. The C-390 MILLENNIUM can be reconfigured for all missions in 3 hours or less.

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 cargo floor, an integral part of the C-390 main structure, is designed with the strength to transport heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles of up to 26,000 kg (57,320 lb). An optimized tie-down grid of rings with 10,000 lb and 25,000 lb of restraint in any direction ensures quick configurations changes and great cargo load flexibility. 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. It is fully compatible with the existing military airlift equipment, such as type V platforms, 463L pallets, A-22 CDS bundles and ground support loaders.

The KC-390 is capable of refueling both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, operating at speeds from 120 KCAS to 300 KCAS and at altitudes from 2,000 ft to 32,000 ft. The KC-390 MILLENNIUM on-ground refueling capability can be used to refuel vehicles or forward operating bases.

The C-390 MILLENNIUM aerial delivery system provides remote and automatic release of cargo in flight at low and high altitudes. The C-390 MILLENNIUM is capable of: LVAD (Low Velocity Aerial Delivery) type-V platforms (single and multiple) up to 41,887 lb; Aerial delivery of CDS (Container Delivery System) up to 22 skid boards; Low Altitude Parachute Extraction (LAPES) up to 22,046 lb.

During Search & Rescue missions, every minute counts to save lives. The C-390 MILLENNIUM turbo fan engines provide unmatched speed compared with other aircraft. The C-390 MILLENNIUM can be equipped with a complete set of equipment to support Search & Rescue missions: Removable Electro-Optical/Infrared pod (EO/IR); Four spotter positions; Lateral litters and/or crew seats; Removable internal fuel tanks to expand range or time on station. The C-390 MILLENNIUM provides support for ground operations or disaster relief missions transporting wounded survivors or casualties. The C-390 MILLENNIUM can be configured to carry up to 74 litters (STANAG 2040) and 8 additional members, including medical attendants and necessary life supporting equipment.

When equipped with a roll-on-roll-off firefighting system, the C-390 MILLENNIUM is an important aerial resource for firefighters in battling wildfires, dropping water or fire retardants. The C-390 MILLENNIUM fly-by-wire provides outstanding maneuverability at low speed and low altitude to fly over wildfire areas, increasing the mission efficiency.

The C-390 MILLENNIUM can be equipped with a complete self-protection suite (SPS) to increase survivability levels. Detection & Countermeasures with 360° coverage: Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Laser Warning System (LWS), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), Chaff & Flare, Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM). Electro Optics/Infrared Pod; Ballistic Protection (Armor 7.62 mm and 0.50 inch); Enhanced Vision System (EVS); HALO Oxygen Rack.

Basic characteristics of C-390 MILLENNIUM design also increase the aircraft survivability level. Key Points: High Speed similar to a fast jet: Mach 0.8; High Altitude: 36,000 ft; Fuel Tanks Inertization: OBIGGS; Redundancy and segregation for critical systems; Night Vision Compatibility; Tactical Radar.

Building over decades of development experience, the C-390 MILLENNIUM incorporates the most advanced and proven technologies and design concepts. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the C-390 MILLENNIUM provides significantly reduced crew workload, efficiency and precision for the mission accomplishment.

The most capable flight control system in the segment allowing pilots to tailor the system to the mission and safely fly to the limits of the flight envelope with low crew workload. Fully interactive and CNS/ATM compliant Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion Suite delivers intuitive Human Machine Interfaces, enhancing productivity and safety. An optional third crew station in the cockpit, equipped with an integrated display, communication system and mission controls, supports efficient coordination on advanced missions including Search & Rescue and Aerial Refueling. Dual Head-up Displays with Enhanced Vision System significantly improves situational awareness in critical operational scenarios, such as in low visibility conditions. A fully integrated Onboard Maintenance System provides diagnostic information to the maintenance crews, facilitating troubleshooting activities, reducing downtime and cost and achieving airline level availability.

The flexible Cargo Handling System (CHS) supports the handling of a wide range of cargo in different configurations. This supports ease of load and unload of vehicles and pallets. It also supports automatic cargo aerial delivery. From a protected station, the Loadmaster can control and operate the Cargo Handling System, enhancing system situational awareness and allowing efficient handing and deployment of cargo.

The Hydraulic Strut Stabilizer is an important feature for remote and autonomous operation. Commanded from the Loadmaster Station, it conveniently stabilizes the aircraft reducing time on the ground and minimizing vulnerability in hostile environments. A Four Wheel Bogie Type Main Landing Gear provides efficient flotation capabilities for operations on soft air fields (CBR-4) as well as shock absorbing capabilities for operations on damaged runways. It supports deployment of the aircraft to unassisted and remote locations.

The C-390 MILLENNIUM Air Conditioning and Pressurization System are modern and efficient, with precise temperature and low cabin altitude controls: combined with the aircraft’s wider cross section and a heated floor in the cargo compartment, comfort is enhanced during Medevac and Troop Transport Missions.

The C-390 MILLENNIUM is equipped with advanced Tactical Radar, featuring Spot SAR (Spotlight Synthetic Aperture Radar), weather, air-to-air, navigation, air-to-ground and high resolution modes. The C-390 MILLENNIUM Self-Protection System combines a broad range of Detection & Declaration devices (Radar Warning, Laser Warning and Missile Approach Warning) and capable Countermeasures (Chaff & Flare and DIRCM), enhancing the aircraft security in hostile scenarios.

The C-390 MILLENNIUM integrates several sensors to provide truly advanced multi-mission capabilities. Tactical SAR Radar, EO/IR Pod and Mission Computers allow the flexible employment of the aircraft in different scenarios. For the air delivery mission, the Continuous Computed Drop Point (CCDP) algorithm uses altitude, speed and wind to define the optimum release point to reach the drop zone. It allows for manual or automatic cargo release. The C-390 MILLENNIUM interior, exterior and cockpit systems are fully Night Vision compatible.