Summary
- The Embraer C-390 has a high payload capacity for various missions, including troop and cargo delivery.
- The aircraft offers automatic cargo release during missions at low and high altitudes.
- Reconfiguration takes 3 hours or less with easy in-house setup, providing a cost-effective multi-mission solution.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized military transport aircraft designed and developed by the Brazilian manufacturer in the early 2010s. The heaviest aircraft in Embraer’s lineup performed its first flight in February 2015 and entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. This article highlights the top features of the C-390 military transport jet.
1
High payload capacity
Payload capacity: 57,320 lbs (26,000 kg)
- 80 troops
- 74 stretchers and eight attendants
- 66 paratroopers
- Seven 463L master pallets
- Six 463L master pallets and 36 troops
- Fuel capacity: 50,700 lbs – 77,160 lbs (23,000 kg – 35,000 kg) with three auxiliary fuel tanks
The Embraer C-390 Millennium offers a higher payload capacity than other medium-sized transporters, including the Lockheed C-130 (42,000 lbs, 19,090 kg) and the Antonov An-178 (39,600 lbs, 18,000 kg). The aircraft can carry heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles of up to the aircraft’s maximum payload capacity.
Photo: Embraer
Each of the tie-down grids of rings provides restraints for 10,000 lbs (4,545 kg) and 25,000 lbs (11,364 kg) loads. The C-390 has a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 191,800 lbs (87,000 kg). Powered by two International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-E2 turbofan engines, each producing 31,330 lbf (139.4 kN), the aircraft can achieve a maximum speed of 533 knots (614 mph, 988 km/h).

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2
Automatic release of cargo in flight
Applicable at low and high altitudes
Cargo delivery type | Maximum load |
---|---|
Low-Velocity Aerial Delivery (LVAD) | 41,887 lbs (19,040 kg) |
Container Delivery System (CDS) | 22 skid boards |
Low Altitude Parachute Extraction (LAPES) | 22,046 lbs (10,021 kg) |
One of the missions of a military transport aircraft is to supply air cargo during various missions. Whether it is a strategic cargo load with weaponry and supplies or humanitarian aid, the aircraft’s ability is tested through the in-flight release of cargo. The Embraer C-390 is equipped with an aerial delivery system, providing remote and automatic cargo release at low and high altitudes.
Photo: Embraer
The aircraft is capable of Low-Velocity Aerial Delivery (LVAD) with single and multiple type-V platforms. The LVAD can be done for loads up to 41,887 lbs (19,040 kg). Moreover, CDS can be delivered up to 22 skid boards, and LAPES can be delivered up to 22,046 lbs (10,021 kg).

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3
Reconfigured in hours
Reconfiguration time: 3 hours or less
- Greater mission-readiness
- Improved mission success
- Lower downtime
Military transport aircraft generally serve a wide range of missions. From search & rescue missions to aerial refueling and transporting of troops and weaponry, military transport aircraft must be ready for whatever is thrown at them. Embraer claims that the reconfiguration of the C-390 Millennium takes as much as three hours to complete.
Photo: Embraer
According to Embraer,
“Reducing time on the ground and in the air will improve 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) is designed with software-controlled cargo locking systems, enabling quick, easy, and safe reconfiguration whenever required.

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4
Reconfiguration can be done in-house
No specialized tools are required for the job
- Tie-down grids and rings
- Heavy-duty retraining system
- Roller trays
- Cargo guidance
- Restraining systems
The mission functionality of the C-390 Millennium is designed with digital techniques, enabling efficient reconfigurations and customizations based on the mission. Embraer states that no specialized tools are required for reconfiguration.
Photo: Embraer
For example, the cargo floor can be reconfigured from a flat space to a roller configuration with a quick flip-over capability. The CHS features all the tools and accessories required for cargo loading, restraining, and offloading.
The heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles can be restrained with the featured tie-down grid of rings with up to 25,000 lbs of restraint in any direction. Additionally, roller trays, cargo guidance, and support systems are part of the CHS.

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5
Lower-cost multi-mission solutions
Less can be more with the C-390
- Advanced cargo handling
- Aerial refueling high and low-speed
- Ground refueling
- Airdrop capability
- Search and rescue
- Aeromedical evacuation
- Aerial firefighting
The C-390 has a multi-mission capability to perform more with a single aircraft. With the ease of reconfiguration, air forces can optimize their fleet performance. Forces can buy a small number of aircraft and different kits to enable a wide range of missions.
Photo: Embraer
The CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, Bosco da Costa Junior, states,
“It’s the only true multi-mission platform. All the C-390s that come out of our production line are capable of all the missions. It means that you don’t need to buy one air to do air-to-air refuelling and then another one to do cargo, for example.”
The cost-effective combination of high availability and productivity can be achieved with the Embraer C-390 Millennium.

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