INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON
OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

 
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years

— General Manoj Pande, Indian Army Chief

 
 
I am confident that SP Guide Publications would continue to inform, inspire and influence.

— Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Indian Navy Chief

My compliments to SP Guide Publications for informative and credible reportage on contemporary aerospace issues over the past six decades.

— Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Indian Air Force Chief
       

Evolving Multi-mission Capabilities

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

Issue: 02-2022By Rohit GoelPhoto(s): By Embraer/Twitter, Embraer, FAB /Flickr
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is the new generation multimission transport aircraft and has demonstrated its capability of successful take-offs and landings on unpaved runway, which is critical for air forces requirements

The C-390 is a tactical transport jet aircraft designed to set new standards in its category. A joint project between FAB and Embraer, some of the aircraft’s strengths are mobility, robust design, greater flexibility, proven state-of-the-art technology, and easier maintenance. This multi-mission jet aircraft features a rugged design that withstands operations from semi-prepared and damaged runways, as well as harsh environments.

The C-390 Millennium fly faster and carry more cargo than other military freighters of the same size and are the ideal platforms for the main usage scenarios. The aircraft requiresfewer on-demand inspections and maintenance, combined with highly reliable systems and components, which reduces the time on the ground and overall operating costs, contributing to excellent availability levels and low life-cycle costs.

The C-390 is capable of transporting and launching cargo and troops and performing a wide array of missions: medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian search and rescue, humanitarian aerial refuelling (fighters and helicopters), aerial fire-fighting and assistance. It has a modern cargo handling system which can transport large-sized cargo: pallets, vehicles, helicopters, troops, paratroopers, medevac stretcher, mixed configurations. The C-390’s piloting is facilitated by an integrated avionic system and a fly-by-wire flight control, and it can be equipped with a self-defence system and ballistic protection which increases its capacity to operate in hostile environments.

The versatility of the C-390 Millennium makes it highly capable of undertaking a range of missions across different terrains

In April 2021, Embraer reached another important milestone in the development of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military freighter program with the successful conclusion of the aerial refuelling qualification between two C-390 Millennium, proving this new operational capacity of the aircraft. This allows C-390 Millennium operators to expand their logistical transport capacity and during search and rescue operations, which increases the autonomy and range of their missions.

This multi-mission aircraft can be quickly configured for aerial refuelling as both a tanker and a receiver aircraft. Day and night aerial refuelling is made possible with observer windows and night vision cameras. The C-390 can be equipped with advanced refuelling pods that meet the high-performance criteria of the aircraft, providing a lightweight and efficient solution. Removable auxiliary fuel tanks can be installed in the cargo compartment to expand the aircraft fuel offload capacity or range performance.

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. Minimised 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.

C-390 Millennium Specifications

Performance 
Maximum Payload (Concentrated)26 metric ton | 57,320 lb
Maximum Payload (Distributed)23 metric ton | 50,706 lb
Wing Usable Fuel Capacity23.9 metric ton
Maximum Cruise Speed470 KTAS /Mach 0.80
Altitude Ceiling36,000 ft
Sea Level Cabin18,000 ft
Range with 26 metric ton (57,320 lb)1,080 nm
Range with 23 metric ton (50,700 lb)1,470 nm
Ferry Range3,370 nm
Ferry Range with internal tanks4,570 nm
Takeoff Dist (CFL, SL, ISA, 500 nm, payload 23 metric ton)1,524 m | 5,000 ft
Takeoff Dist (CFL, SL, ISA, 500 nm, payload 16 metric ton)1,165 m | 3,820 ft
Vref with 25 klb of useful load116 KCAS
Normal Landing Dist (SL, ISA, 26 metric ton)1,000 m | 3,280 ft
Dimensions 
Length35.20 m | 115 ft 5 in
Height11.84 m | 38 ft 10 in
Wing Span35.05 m | 115 ft
Cargo Hold 
Length (Floor + Ramp)18.50 m | 60 ft 8 in
Height (Minimum)2.95 m | 9 ft 8 in
Width3.45 m | 11 ft 4 in
Volume169 m³ | 5,970 ft³
Main Systems 
IAE V2500-E5 engines with 31,330 lb of takeoff thrust
Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics System
Gabbiano Tactical Radar T-20 from SELEX Galileo
Cobham 900E Series Wing Air Refueling Pod
Rafael Litening II electro-optical/infrared targeting pod

Source: https://defense.embraer.com/global/en/c-390