TSAMTO, September 27. The assembly of the first multi-purpose tanker KC-390 "Millennium", ordered by the Portuguese Air Force, has been completed at the Embraer production facility in Gavian Peixot (Sao Paulo, Brazil).
As reported by Defensa.com On September 21, the quality of the aircraft's assembly was checked by the Monitoring and Inspection Group (MAF) of the KC-390 program, which includes engineers and technicians of the Portuguese Air Force. The first test flight of the new aircraft is expected soon.
The Portuguese monitoring and Inspection team is constantly at the plant and monitors production activities and tests as part of the implementation of the order for the supply of five KC-390.
According to the Portuguese Air Force, despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is being implemented according to schedule.
As previously reported by CAMTO, the Portuguese government and Brazilian Embraer signed an agreement on the acquisition of five KC-390 multi-purpose tanker transports on August 22, 2019. The contract also provides for the supply of a simulator, ground equipment, air refueling systems, a medical evacuation system, self-defense equipment, and the provision of logistics services.
The delivery of aircraft is planned to begin in 2023. The transfer of aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force will be carried out at a rate of one aircraft per year and will be completed by February 2027. Earlier, the project budget was announced in the amount of 827 million euros.
