Netherlands Acquires Brazilian C-390 Military Transport Aircraft.

During a ceremony at the Farnborough Airshow, the Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract to acquire nine Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft. This purchase is part of the "Replacement of Tactical Airlift Capacity" project, a joint procurement effort with Austria. The Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive five advanced aircraft, while the Austrian Air Force will receive four.
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The C-390 Millennium, developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, offers significant advantages over older models and competitors. (Picture source: Embraer)

This joint acquisition aims to enhance the capability of both countries to quickly deploy or evacuate equipment and personnel efficiently under challenging operational conditions. The advanced tactical capabilities of the C-390 Millennium are expected to improve operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing robust logistical support for various missions, including humanitarian and medical operations.

The C-390 Millennium, developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, offers significant advantages over older models and competitors. Known for its superior performance, increased reliability, and higher transport capacity, the aircraft represents a substantial upgrade.

The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft designed for high performance and great reliability. It can carry a maximum payload of 26 metric tons (57,320 lb) or a distributed payload of 23 metric tons (50,706 lb). It has a wing usable fuel capacity of 23.9 metric tons, allowing for a range of 1,080 nautical miles with the maximum payload, which can be extended to 1,470 nautical miles with a lighter load. It offers a range of 3,370 nautical miles for ferry missions, which can reach 4,570 nautical miles with additional internal tanks.

The aircraft can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 470 knots (Mach 0.80) and operate at an altitude of 36,000 feet. Its cabin is pressurized to maintain a sea-level environment up to 18,000 feet. The C-390 Millennium is designed for short takeoff distances, requiring 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) with a 23-metric ton payload and only 1,165 meters (3,820 feet) with a 16-metric ton payload. The normal landing distance is 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) with a 26-metric ton payload.

In terms of dimensions, the C-390 is 35.20 meters long (115 feet 5 inches), 11.84 meters high (38 feet 10 inches), and has a wingspan of 35.05 meters (115 feet). Its cargo hold, including the floor and ramp, is 18.50 meters long (60 feet 8 inches), with a minimum height of 2.95 meters (9 feet 8 inches), a width of 3.45 meters (11 feet 4 inches), and a total volume of 169 cubic meters (5,970 cubic feet).

The aircraft is equipped with IAE V2500-E5 engines, each providing 31,330 lb of takeoff thrust. It features a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics system, a Gabbiano T-20 tactical radar from SELEX Galileo, Cobham 900E series wing air refueling pods, and a Rafael Litening II electro-optical/infrared targeting pod.

A notable feature of the C-390 is its ability to be quickly configured for aerial refueling, functioning both as a tanker and receiver aircraft. The dedicated version for this task is named the KC-390. Refueling can be performed day or night, thanks to observer windows and night vision cameras. The C-390 can be equipped with advanced refueling pods, and removable auxiliary fuel tanks can be installed to increase refueling capacity or range. The aircraft can be reconfigured for various missions in less than three hours.

The advanced Cargo Handling System (CHS) of the C-390 offers great flexibility and high productivity levels, allowing for quick reconfiguration of the cargo space for different missions without special tools. The cargo floor can switch from a flat to a roller configuration with flip-over capability. The CHS includes all necessary accessories to facilitate cargo loading, securing, and unloading.

In summary, the C-390 Millennium is a versatile and high-performance aircraft capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions, from troop and cargo transport to aerial refueling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid. Its modern design and reliable systems make it a valuable asset for air forces seeking flexibility and efficiency in their operations.