Embraer has successfully concluded the Hungary Critical Design Review (CDR) and begun the structural assembly of its first KC-390 Millennium aircraft, marking the start of production with a ceremony held at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility.
In the next weeks, assembly of parts will take place to generate the structural panels and frames for the main components of the aircraft’s fuselage and semi-wings. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2024.
In November 2020, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer for the procurement of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft in Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) configuration, designated KC-390.
Designed to enhance the Hungarian Defense Forces’ capabilities, the aircraft is the first in the world with the Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, an essential feature to perform humanitarian missions.
The aircraft is able to perform different types of military and civilian missions including medical evacuation, cargo and troops transport, precision cargo airdrop, paratroopers operations, and AAR.
These KC-390 are fully NATO compatible in terms of hardware and in avionics and communications configuration. Furthermore, the KC-390 probe and drogue refueling system means the aircraft is capable of refueling the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen, as well as other aircraft that use the same technology.
The C-390 is a tactical transport jet aircraft designed to set new standards in its category. Some of the strong aspects of the aircraft are increased mobility, rugged design, higher flexibility, state-of-the-art proven technology and easier maintenance. Flying faster and delivering more cargo, both the C-390 Millennium and the KC-390 variant are the right-sized platform for major deployment scenarios. Minimized interventions and on condition maintenance combined with highly reliable systems and components support the reduced downtime and costs, contributing to outstanding availability levels and low life cycle costs.
