Summary

  • Embraer delivers 2nd KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force.
  • The versatile aircraft can perform military and humanitarian missions, with six in operation by the Brazilian Air Force.
  • Portugal has ordered a total of 5 KC-390s expected to arrive by 2027.

Brazilian planemaker Embraer has delivered the second KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP). Portugal’s first KC-390 multi-mission aircraft entered service in October.

Embraer hands over another KC-390 to Portugal

The company delivered its eighth C-390 Millennium airframe overall and the second to join Portugal’s air force. The versatile military jet – which is the heaviest aircraft in Embraer’s commercial and military portfolio – is fitted with standard North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) equipment as per the requirements laid out by Portugal’s National Aeronautical Authority (AAN).

KC-390 Força Aérea Portuguesa

Photo: Embraer

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer’s Defense & Security, said,

“The second KC-390 Millennium delivery to the Portuguese Air Force is another important step in the process of internationalizing our aircraft, which is increasing its market recognition particularly among NATO nations. The Portuguese Air Force is a long-term partner of Embraer and has supported us strategically since the beginning of the program.”

The KC-390 Millenium is an exceptionally versatile aircraft capable of performing a wide array of missions, be it military or humanitarian. The jet first entered service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, which now operates six of the planes. Portuguese aerospace company OGMA, a subsidiary of Embraer, builds some of the components of the KC-390, while the FAP has been a major partner in the program.

The “K” in KC-390 signifies that the aircraft has aerial refueling capability, which a regular C-390 does not.

Two of five have arrived

In 2019, Portugal ordered five KC-390s in a deal estimated to be worth €827 million ($886 million), which also included extras like a flight simulator for training purposes. This second Portuguese delivery is slightly behind schedule, having initially been earmarked for March 2024 – the FAP has previously stated that it expects all five deliveries to have taken place by March 2027.

Specification

KC-390 Millennium

Engines

2 × IAE V2533-E5 turbofan engines

Maximum Speed

988 km/h (534 knots, 614 mph)

Cruise Speed

870 km/h (470 knots, 541 mph)

Length

35.2 meters (115 ft 6 in)

Wingspan

35.1 meters (115 ft 2 in)

Height

11.8 meters (38 ft 7 in)

Maximum Takeoff Weight

86,000 kg (189,600 lb)

Payload Capacity

26,000 kg (57,320 lb)

Range (empty)

6,130 km (3,810 miles)

Range (full payload)

2,815 km (1,750 miles)

Service Ceiling

36,090 ft (11,000 meters)

KC-390 Força Aérea Portuguesa-1

Photo: Embraer

General João Cartaxo Alves, Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff, commented,

“With the delivery of this second aircraft we will accelerate the integration of this distinguish capability in the Portuguese Air Force allowing us to increment the operational missions and prepare additional crew members and technicians for the future to come.”

Related

Embraer Launches First KC-390 Millenium Flight Simulator

A Level D full-flight simulator for the modern military airlifter.

Since entering service in 2019 with Brazil’s FAB, the C-390 has accumulated over 13,000 flight hours, performing with a mission completion rate above 99% and operational availability of around 80%. Portugal’s KC-390s will be stationed at Beja Airbase, or Air Base No.11 – other customers of the lifter include the Hungarian and Netherlands air forces, and a recently announced deal with the Republic of Korea Air Force.

Have you ever spotted an Embraer KC-390 Millennium in person? Let us know your stories in the comment section.

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