Production begins of first KC-390 destined for Hungary
Hungarian government and Embraer representatives attended a ceremony marking the start of production of the first KC-390 for Hungary. (Photo: Embraer)
The first of two KC-390s for Hungary is scheduled for delivery in 2024.
Embraer on 11 November announced that structural assembly work is underway in Brazil of the first in a pair of KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft for Hungary, following the conclusion of a critical design review.
The manufacturer noted in a statement: ‘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.’
Hungary ordered two KC-390s plus associated services in November 2020 for an undisclosed price, although Shephard Defence Insight calculates a unit price of $85 million for the aircraft.
The fully NATO-compatible KC-390s will not only use a probe and drogue system to refuel Hungarian Air Force JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter aircraft, but they will also be capable of performing medevac or humanitarian missions with an onboard intensive care unit.
Additional mission types identified by Embraer include troop transport, precision cargo airdrop and paratroop operations.
Brazil (28 aircraft) and Portugal (five) are the only other confirmed customers for the KC-390 to date.
More from Air Warfare
-
![British Army drone operators gain expertise]()
British Army drone operators gain expertise
The British Army has contracted Inzpire to supply UAS training services to its operators in support of a mini drone contract led by Lockheed Martin UK.
-
![DARPA X-plane with revolutionary controls hits new milestone]()
DARPA X-plane with revolutionary controls hits new milestone
The CRANE project exploring active-flow control technologies could contribute to developing extremely low-observable aircraft in the future.
-
![Sikorsky delivers 5,000th H-60 helicopter]()
Sikorsky delivers 5,000th H-60 helicopter
The Black Hawk has been in service for over four decades, but both the US Army and Sikorsky believe the helicopter will have a role for at least another 40 years.
-
![Hensoldt develops demonstrator SIGINT pod for Eurodrone]()
Hensoldt develops demonstrator SIGINT pod for Eurodrone
The company has already demonstrated its C-ESM capabilities in ground and flight tests.
-
![Last upgraded light combat aircraft delivered to Czech Air Force]()
Last upgraded light combat aircraft delivered to Czech Air Force
Work on the L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft included inspection and testing of parts, plus technical improvements to some components and functions of the aircraft.
