Embraer Highlights the KC-390 Millennium at SOF Week

The Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week) annual conference, scheduled from May 5-7 in Tampa, Florida, marks the third stop of the KC-390 Millennium demonstration tour in the United States. Embraer Defence & Security is participating in this event for the first time, to showcase the multi-mission capabilities of the medium airlift and tanker platform designed for special forces operations. SOF Week serves as the foremost global assembly for special operators, industry leaders, and strategic partners to engage in learning and networking.

Throughout the three-day event, a KC-390 Millennium, operated by the Brazilian Air Force, will be showcased at Sheltair Aviation, situated at Tampa International Airport. Attendees may register for transportation to and from the aircraft at the Embraer booth.

“The KC-390 offers an unbeatable value proposition that combines rapid mission reconfiguration capability with the latest technology as well as increased speed in the air and faster turnarounds, which translates to enhanced operational efficiency and low life-cycle costs,” said Jake Williams, Vice President of Business Development North America for Embraer Defence & Security. “It is the best aircraft in its category and a perfect fit for SOF missions, as it can execute a wide range of missions, including Air-to-Air Refuelling and Agile Combat Employment.”

Embraer's KC-390 is outfitted with an advanced and comprehensive array of sensors and communication equipment, facilitating essential connectivity between the aircraft, operational commands, and ground troops. Furthermore, the KC-390's robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system enhances its survivability.

The KC-390 Millennium is a 21st-century medium airlifter and tanker, engineered as a multi-mission jet that delivers superior performance. It boasts an impressive mission availability rate of 99% while maintaining low operational costs. Its design inherently incorporates multi-mission capability and interoperability, ensuring the aircraft is prepared for a wide range of mission profiles required by Air Forces.

The aircraft possesses the range and speed characteristics of a turbofan, enabling it to function as a strategic asset by minimising en route travel time and facilitating rapid turnaround for increased delivery capacity. Concurrently, the KC-390 is equipped with cargo handling capabilities that allow it to serve as a tactical airlifter. It can manage a diverse array of payloads and execute a broad spectrum of missions, including precision airdrops, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuation operations.

The aircraft is capable of executing personnel airdrops at altitudes up to 36,000 feet. This capability, combined with its ability to land on unprepared runways, enhanced low-speed handling characteristics, and rapid mission reconfiguration between airdrop, firefighting, and air-to-air refuelling (for both fast jets and rotary wing aircraft), positions the KC-390 as an exceptionally versatile multi-mission platform, ideal for special forces operations globally.

Embraer's KC-390 Millennium is rapidly emerging as the preferred aircraft among NATO members and allies in Europe. It plays a significant role in modernising their armed forces by introducing new capabilities and enhancing interoperability among allied forces. The aircraft is currently operational in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Recently, Sweden and Slovakia have also selected the KC-390 for their national defence requirements. Additionally, South Korea and, quite possibly, South Africa are among the expanding list of nations choosing the KC-390.

The KC-390 Millennium is presently in production and has been operational for several years, achieving Full Operational Capability. As a readily available off-the-shelf platform, it is prepared to deliver cost-effective solutions for international markets in addressing emerging threats.