Embraer C-390 Millennium explained: Key specifications and capabilities of the Brazilian military transport aircraft

Embraer and Mahindra have identified Nagpur as the proposed location for a final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium in India, with the project dependent on the aircraft being selected for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme. The companies are working with the Maharashtra government on infrastructure for the proposed facility, which would include aircraft assembly, system integration, manufacturing engineering and development of an Indian supply chain.

The C-390 is being considered for the IAF requirement to replace its ageing An-32 transport fleet. Embraer and Mahindra have been pursuing an India manufacturing and support arrangement since their partnership was announced in 2025. Embraer has also identified India as a strategic market for the aircraft and has said the country could require 60 to 80 C-390s.

Also Read: Embraer, Mahindra choose Nagpur for potential C-390 assembly line in India



Here are the key features and stated capabilities of the C-390 Millennium.

26-tonne maximum payload

The C-390 has a maximum concentrated payload capacity of 26 metric tonnes, or about 57,320 pounds. Embraer lists a maximum distributed payload of 23 tonnes. The aircraft is designed to carry cargo including military equipment, vehicles and supplies.

169 cubic metres of cargo space

The aircraft has a cargo hold with a volume of 169 cubic metres. The cargo area measures 18.50 metres in length including the floor and ramp, 3.45 metres in width and has a minimum height of 2.95 metres.

Troop transport

The C-390 can be configured to carry up to 80 occupants. This allows it to be used for troop movement in addition to cargo operations.

Paratrooper operations

The aircraft can also be configured for airborne missions. Embraer’s current specifications list capacity for up to 64 paratroopers.

Military vehicle transport

The cargo compartment can accommodate combinations of light and heavy military vehicles. Embraer lists capacity for three to four light vehicles or one to two heavy vehicles, depending on configuration.

Helicopter transport

The cargo hold is also designed to accommodate one Black Hawk or a similarly sized helicopter. This gives the aircraft a role in moving helicopters without requiring them to fly to the destination independently.

470-knot cruise speed

The C-390 has a published maximum cruise speed of 470 KTAS, or Mach 0.80. That is about 870 kmph.

Range with heavy cargo

With a 26-tonne payload, Embraer lists a range of 1,080 nautical miles. With a 23-tonne payload, the figure rises to 1,470 nautical miles. Its published ferry range is 3,370 nautical miles, increasing to 4,570 nautical miles with internal tanks.

Operation from semi-prepared runways

The C-390 is designed to operate from semi-prepared or damaged runways. Embraer also lists operations from austere airfields and unpaved surfaces among its design capabilities.

Short-field take-off and landing figures

Under the conditions specified by the manufacturer, the aircraft has a take-off distance of 1,524 metres with a 23-tonne payload and 1,165 metres with a 16-tonne payload. Its normal landing distance with a 26-tonne payload is listed at 1,000 metres.

Medical evacuation configuration

The C-390 can be configured for medical evacuation. Embraer lists configurations ranging from 50 litters with passengers and medical attendants to higher-capacity arrangements of up to 74 or 80 litters, depending on the mission setup.

Aerial refuelling role

The KC-390 configuration can be used as an aerial refuelling tanker. It is also capable of receiving fuel from another tanker aircraft, allowing the platform to perform both transport and refuelling-related missions.

Search and rescue and humanitarian missions

The aircraft can be configured for missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Its cargo compartment can be adapted to carry personnel, medical equipment and supplies for such operations.

Firefighting capability

The C-390 can also be configured for aerial firefighting missions. This is one of the non-transport roles included in the aircraft’s multi-mission design.

Designed for extreme operating conditions

The aircraft is designed to operate in a range of environments, including hot and sandy conditions as well as very cold climates. Embraer has highlighted operations from semi-prepared surfaces and an unpaved runway in Antarctica.

Dimensions, engines and avionics

The C-390 is 35.20 metres long, 11.84 metres high and has a wingspan of 35.05 metres. It uses two IAE V2500-E5 engines, each producing 31,330 pounds of take-off thrust. The aircraft has a maximum operating altitude of 36,000 feet, while its published usable wing-tank fuel capacity is 23.9 tonnes. Its listed systems include the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite and Gabbiano T-20 tactical radar.

The proposed Nagpur assembly facility would therefore be tied directly to the outcome of the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft competition. Embraer and Mahindra have said that, subject to a programme award, Indian aerospace companies would be progressively integrated into the C-390 supply chain.