Embraer Starts Building Hungary's First KC-390 Millennium Aircraft

(12 Nov 2021)  Embraer has started the structural assembly of Hungary's first KC-390 Millennium after concluding the Critical Design Review (CDR).

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.

Embraer KC-390. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

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 be able to perform different types of military and civilian missions including Medical Evacuation, Cargo and Troops Transport, Precision Cargo Airdrop, Paratroopers Operations and AAR.

The KC-390 are fully NATO compatible, not only in terms of hardware, but also in avionics and communications.

Furthermore, the KC-390 probe and drogue refueling system means the aircraft is capable of refueling the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen, as well as other aircraft that use the same technology.