Embraer Delivers The Second KC-390 Multi-Mission Aircraft To The Portuguese Air Force
Embraer, a global aviation company based in Brazil, delivered its second KC-390 multi-mission aircraft, equipped with standard NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) equipment, to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP/Força Aérea Portuguesa) at a ceremony held at its facilities near Gavião Peixoto in São Paulo on June 26. The official handover ceremony was attended by senior military and company officials, including Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff General João Cartaxo Alves and Embraer President and CEO Bosco da Costa Júnior.
Speaking at the event, Embraer Defense and Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior emphasized the importance of the parties’ existing partnership, adding, “The second KC-390 Millennium delivery to the Portuguese Air Force is another important step in the process of internationalizing our aircraft, which is increasing its market recognition particularly among NATO nations. The Portuguese Air Force is a long-term partner of Embraer and has supported us strategically since the beginning of the program. We will continue to work together to advance our partnership in the coming years.”
Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff General João Cartaxo Alves added by saying, “With the delivery of this second aircraft we will accelerate the integration of this distinguish capability in the Portuguese Air Force allowing us to increment the operational missions and prepare additional crew members and technicians for the future to come. With the results already achieved with the first aircraft it’s clear that with this second one we will see the Portuguese KC-390s flying all around the world proving their capabilities, versatility and availability and providing added mission value for Portugal, partners and alliances.”
Portugal became the KC-390’s first international export customer outside of Brazil in 2019, when it signed a €827 million ($886 million) contract with Embraer to replace veteran C-130H and C-130H-30 Hercules military transport aircraft. Under the agreement, which includes five KC-390 multi-mission aircraft, a service and support package and a flight simulator, Portugal put the first aircraft of this type into service back in October 2023. According to Embraer’s projected delivery schedule, the remaining three aircraft will arrive in Portugal one per year until 2027. All of these advanced aircraft will be operated by the 506th “Rinocerontes” (Rhinoceros) squadron established at Air Base No. 11 in Beja on 20 May 2023 and will be used in air transport, aerial refueling and firefighting operations.
The KC-390 is a medium-sized tactical military transport aircraft that can carry out a variety of military and civilian missions, such as humanitarian aid, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, cargo and troop transportation, and aerial and ground refueling. These aircraft, which are preferred by the air forces of Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and South Korea, as well as Portugal and Brazil, have internal and external configurations that can be swiftly modified to adapt to different mission roles. The cargo hold of the 35-meter-long KC-390 has a length of 18.5 m, a width of 3.45 m and a height of 2.95 m. The maximum carrying capacity of the aircraft is 26 tons and it can travel up to 2,590 km with such a load. These aircraft, powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan jet engines, can reach a top speed of 800 km/h and a service ceiling of up to 8000 meters. The landing gear with low-pressure tires enables the KC-390 Millennium aircraft to land on soft, unpaved ground, such as hard runways or damaged runways.