Morocco selects Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium to replace C-130 Hercules transport fleet.

As noted by the Twitter account Kingdom of Morocco Armies on October 8, 2024, the Moroccan Air Force is set to receive the Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This announcement comes from a video from Embraer, which displayed Morocco's flag alongside those of other C-390 operators during the C-390 Millennium Users Group Conference 2024. Countries represented in the video included Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, and now, Morocco.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The C-390 Millenium can carry up to 26 tons of cargo, such as two M113 armored personnel carriers, a Boxer armored vehicle, or a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

This visual confirmation follows months of speculation and reports about Moroccan delegations visiting Portugal, suggesting an interest in acquiring the aircraft. The Embraer C-390 Millennium will replace the oldest C-130 Hercules models in the Moroccan Air Force, enhancing its logistics and tactical transport capabilities. A brochure from an Embraer promotional event also displayed Morocco's flag alongside those of other contracting nations. Previous reports indicated that Morocco was in advanced negotiations with Embraer regarding this aircraft, with some discussion of potential local manufacturing collaboration between Morocco and Embraer for the C-390.

As Embraer’s largest aircraft, the development of the C-390 Millennium began in the mid-2000s with support from the Brazilian government. The project received an initial investment of $440 million in 2008, and Embraer secured a $1.5 billion contract for prototype development in 2009. The C-390 first flew in 2015 and was rebranded as the C-390 Millennium in 2019. Initially developed as a jet-powered alternative to the C-130 Hercules, it employs turbofan engines to achieve higher transport speeds. Various companies contributed to the project, including FAdeA, ENAER, OGMA, BAE Systems, and Rockwell Collins.

The C-390 Millennium’s design supports a range of military missions, including troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling, and medical evacuation. It can carry up to 26 tons of cargo, such as two M113 armored personnel carriers, a Boxer armored vehicle, or a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. Configurations can also accommodate up to 80 soldiers or 66 paratroopers. The aircraft includes a cargo handling and aerial delivery system, allowing it to air-drop up to 42,000 pounds of supplies. Its wing-mounted probe and drogue pods enable aerial refueling at a rate of 1,500 liters per minute, supported by a maximum fuel capacity of 35 tons.

To date, countries using the C-390 include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, and now, Morocco. (Picture source: Embraer)

Equipped with modern avionics, including the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion and SELEX Galileo’s tactical radar, the C-390 features fly-by-wire controls and a modular design for rapid mission reconfiguration. The cargo hold measures 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height and includes a rear ramp for loading. The C-390 operates at a cruising speed of Mach 0.8, offering medium airlift transport capabilities for its users.

Several nations have taken delivery of or placed orders for the Embraer C-390 Millennium to enhance their military transport capabilities. The Brazilian Air Force, the primary operator, has ordered 19 C-390s, with seven delivered so far. These aircraft are flown by the 1st Troop Transportation Group (Zeus) and the 1st Squadron of the 1st Transportation Group (Gordo). In Europe, the Portuguese Air Force ordered five C-390s in 2019 to replace its C-130 fleet, receiving the first unit in October 2022 and the second in June 2024, with operational status achieved in October 2023.

The Hungarian Air Force, which ordered two C-390s in 2020, received its first unit in September 2024, assigned to Airlift Squadron "Teve" at Kecskemét Airbase. Future operators include the Austrian Air Force, which ordered four C-390s in 2023 with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2030 to replace its C-130Ks, and the Czech Air Force, which selected two C-390s in October 2023 for refueling and transport missions. The Royal Netherlands Air Force plans to replace its C-130H fleet with five C-390s, with deliveries starting in 2026. Similarly, the Republic of Korea Air Force ordered three units in 2023, with an expected introduction by 2026.

With a crew of three (two pilots and one loadmaster), the C-390 measures 35.2 meters in length, has a wingspan of 35.05 meters, and stands 11.84 meters tall. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized military transport aircraft designed to carry up to 26,000 kg (57,000 lb) of cargo or accommodate 80 troops, 74 stretchers with eight attendants, or 66 paratroopers. With a crew of three (two pilots and one loadmaster), the C-390 measures 35.2 meters in length, has a wingspan of 35.05 meters, and stands 11.84 meters tall. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 86,999 kg, supported by a fuel capacity of up to 35,000 kg with auxiliary tanks.

The C-390 is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each generating 139.4 kN of thrust, enabling a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of 870 km/h (Mach 0.8). Its operational range varies based on payload, achieving 5,020 km with 14,000 kg, 2,720 km with 23,000 kg, and 2,000 km with a full 26,000 kg payload. Additionally, the C-390 can reach a service ceiling of 11,000 meters and offers an extended ferry range of up to 8,460 km when equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks.

The C-390 is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each generating 139.4 kN of thrust, enabling a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of 870 km/h (Mach 0.8). (Picture source: Brazil Air Force)