Embraer and FAB agree to expand C-390 special mission capabilities
December 4, 2024
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will deepen collaborative studies aimed at expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium platform for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with a particular focus on Maritime Patrol.
The company showed a new CGI illustration of a notional C-390 MPA variant, carrying a pair of underwing anti-ship missiles, a targeting pod, and other missionized features. This may be designated as the C-390 IVR.
Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force said that: “The studies to adapt the C-390 Millennium aircraft to ISR missions have evolved in a structured way, analyzing the aircraft’s capability to evolve in order to meet the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force, especially in relation to Maritime Patrol.
The development of new operational capabilities is underpinned by Embraer’s engineering and systems integration expertise, and the company hopes that its C-390 Millennium evolution strategy will foster new capabilities that will enhance the platform’s operational capabilities, meeting customer needs and market requirements.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said that: “We are honoured to move forward with the FAB on studies to expand the operational capabilities of the C-390 Millennium. It reinforces our commitment to always offer our customers an aircraft capable of carrying out their most challenging missions with unparalleled efficiency. This is another important step in the long-term relationship built with the FAB.”
Embraer says that end users already consider the C-390 to be the most advanced in its category and the company claim that the versatility, ruggedness, and state-of-the-art communications and self-protection systems, give the C-390 great potential to meet and exceed the operational requirements of the Brazilian Air Force, and customers worldwide.
The C-390 Millennium has been chosen by Brazil, Hungary, Austria, South Korea, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Sweden, to modernize their air forces.
The C-390 Millennium is the leading aircraft in its class, with a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and state-of-the-art technology. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold and rear ramp, and robust landing gear allow it to handle the most demanding missions, including operations from unpaved runways.
The current worldwide fleet of C-390 Millennium aircraft has accumulated more than 15,000 flying hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%, demonstrating exceptional reliability in its category.
