The story
Embraer's military transport is a jet, not a turboprop: two IAE V2500 turbofans on a high wing, a rear cargo ramp, full fly-by-wire controls and tyres made for rough strips. It first flew in February 2015 as the KC-390, reached the Brazilian Air Force in September 2019 and took the Millennium name two months later. It carries up to 26 tonnes, and refuelling pods under the wings let it feed other aircraft in flight. Air forces flying it today include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary and the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden have orders in.
The C-390's IAE V2500 engines come from the same family that powers many Airbus A320 airliners. Its first international mission for the Brazilian Air Force, in 2020, carried aid to Beirut after the port explosion.
Quick answers
How do you identify a C-390 Millennium?
High wing, two big turbofans hung forward of the wing, a T-tail and an upswept rear fuselage over the cargo ramp, with the main gear in fairings low on the fuselage sides. It looks like a jet-powered Hercules with half the engines.
What does a C-390 Millennium sound like?
A smooth twin-turbofan roar, more airliner on approach than the four-propeller drone of a Hercules.
How fast is the C-390 Millennium?
Top speed is 470 kts cruise (Mach 0.8).
How many people does the C-390 Millennium carry?
Typical configuration: Up to 80 troops, 66 paratroopers or 26 tonnes of cargo.
How far can the C-390 Millennium fly?
Range is about 2,710 nmi with a 14-tonne payload.
How big is the C-390 Millennium?
It is 115 ft 6 in long and 115 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the C-390 Millennium first fly?
Its first flight was in 2015.
How many C-390 Millenniums have been built?
16+ delivered (2026) built.
How rare is a C-390 Millennium in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first C-390 Millennium catch is worth 250 points.
