Portuguese Air Force C-390 taking shape
On 10 November 2020, Embraer released photos of the assembly of the first C-390 transport aircraft for the Força Aerea Portuguesa (FAP, Portuguese Air Force).
The Portuguese government confirmed a deal with Embraer for five C-390s on 11 July 2019. The new transporters will replace the small fleet of C-130H Hercules operated by Esq501 at Montijo.
The contract is valued at USD 930 million (827 million euros), and besides the aircraft, a flight simulator and maintenance service will be provided for a period of twelve years.
According to the planning, the C-390s will be delivered from 2023 to 2027, at the rate of one aircraft per year.
Portugal participates, both in the development and in the construction of the Embraer transporter. OGMA - Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal SA (OGMA, Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico) is responsible for the construction of the central fuselage section and the main landing gear's compartment. The final assembly of the aircraft is however carried out in Brazil.
Photos: Embraer via Força Aerea Portuguesa