The Austrian Ministry of Defence introduced it could choose the C-390 Millennium plane as its new tactical transport.

On Sept. 20, 2023, the Austrian Ministry of Defence introduced that it chosen Embraer C-390 Millennium to switch its growing older C-130K fleet. In line with Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner, they’re aiming to purchase 4 C-390s between 130 million to 150 million Euro ($138.6 million to $160 million) every. On account of its comparatively small pressure, the Austrian Air Pressure is contemplating a joint order with the Netherlands. The Dutch have additionally beforehand expressed intentions to purchase the C-390 however is but to signal a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

As of now, the Austrian Air Pressure operates an ageing fleet of C-130Ks transferred from the RAF between 2003 to 2018. The airframes have been first purchased by the RAF in 1967 earlier than present process a midlife improve by Marshall Aerospace. The choice was made to purchase C-390s as an alternative of the beforehand anticipated C-130Js. Whereas a correct MoU is but to be signed, Embraer says that it’s within the remaining phases of ending up the cope with the Austrian authorities.

#NEWS | Austrian Ministry of Protection selects the #C390 #Millennium as its new navy transport plane. Learn full information: https://t.co/z8MB9NxO2b #EmbraerStories #WeAreEmbraer pic.twitter.com/9nJap9v3tW

— Embraer (@embraer) September 20, 2023

Latest updates to the C-390’s capabilities

It seems that the C-390 gross sales staff is ramping up its efforts on this system for the reason that 2023 Paris Airshow. Since then, a number of nations together with the Czech Republic have expressed curiosity in shopping for the platform. In comparison with its nearest competitor, the C-130J-30, the Millenium provides higher vary, greater operational ceiling, and extra cargo capability.

The newest replace on the C-390 introduced on the Paris Airshow boasts a variety of elevated capabilities resembling Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) system, MEDEVAC prepared cargo module, paradrop, aerial firefighting, buddy-to-buddy air refuelling, and provisions for a Flying Growth modification for the Agile Tanker.

It needs to be famous that on prime of the present Embraer C-390’s functionality, the C-130 has higher manoeuvrability, faster response to thrust change, and higher low-speed qualities permitting for it to air refuel helicopters. Moreover, the Hercules have been dominating the tactical airlift market worldwide for many years.

Though the market is basically consisted of the C-130 fleet, the latest rise in gross sales of the C-390 means that Embraer might have simply discovered a distinct segment marketplace for it to out-compete the C-130.

Wonwoo is a pupil journalist and contributor to The Aviationist primarily based in London, United Kingdom. At the moment learning MEng in Aeronautical Engineering with a eager curiosity in OSINT, airplane recognizing and plane design. He’s a former Sergeant of the Republic of Korea Military, having served as an artillery Hearth Course Centre Automobile Radio Operator.