Embraer embarks on C-390 runway tests

28th July 2021 - 09:20 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Embraer is conducting unpaved runway tests of its C-390 Millennium tanker/transport aircraft. (Photo: Embraer)

Runway assessments 'analyse the effective operation’ of the C-390 Millennium aircraft, Brazilian manufacturer Embraer announces.

Embraer is conducting unpaved runway tests of its C-390 Millennium tanker/transport aircraft, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced on 23 July via Twitter.

‘On a specific 5,905ft runway built at Gavião Peixoto, assessments will be performed over the next weeks to analyse the effective operation of the multi-mission aircraft’ for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Embraer added.

The FAB has 28 C-390s on order and it expected to receive its first aircraft at the end of 2018, but this was delayed after one of the two prototypes overran the runway during a test in Gaviao Peixoto in 2018.

The first aircraft was handed finally handed over in September 2019. Four had been delivered by the end of 2020.

Embraer was involved in a JV with Boeing but the latter terminated it in April 2020. Shephard Defence Insight assesses that this decision could have a negative impact on international sales of the C-390 and force a change of marketing, as the original plan was to take advantage of opportunities in the US and among potential FMS customers.