Brazilian aerospace and defense firm Embraer announced it has concluded the critical design review (CDR) and begun the structural assembly of the first KC-390 Millennium transporter for Hungary.
A ceremony held at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, witnessed by Hungarian government and Embraer representatives, marked the start of production of the first Hungarian KC-390 Millennium.
In the coming weeks, parts will be assembled to generate the structural panels and frames for the main components of the 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 acquisition of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, in its air-to-air Refueling (AAR) configuration, designated KC-390. The acquisition is part of the process to strengthen the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
The KC-390 for the Hungarian Defence Forces will be the first in the world with the intensive care unit in its configuration, an essential feature to perform humanitarian missions. The aircraft will also be tasked with performing cargo and troops transport, precision cargo airdrop, paratrooper operations and AAR.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) existing fleet of KC-390s currently stands at four and these aircraft have exceeded 4,100 flight hours in operation, which have included the transport of equipment and medical supplies across the country urgently needed to address the COVID-19 situation in Brazil.
Hungary is joining Portugal as the second European and NATO KC-390 operator.
