Brazil's C-390 Millennium is giving the US' C-130 Hercules cargo plane a run for its money
JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
- Interest in Brazil's C-390 cargo plane is growing, competing with the US' C-130 Hercules in demand.
- While Embraer's C-390 hasn't overtaken Lockheed's C-130, its worldwide presence is on the rise.
- The Netherlands and Austria bought nine C-390 Millenium aircraft in a joint deal in July.
America's tried-and-true C-130 Hercules cargo plane is facing stiff competition from Brazil's new C-390 Millennium as demand for the Brazilian-built workhorse cargo plane builds.
Lockheed Martin's C-130 turboprop makes up a fifth of the global military transport fleet, according to aviation data provider Cirium.
While Embraer is far from edging out Lockheed in the global aviation market, the jet-powered C-390 is giving US cargo planes a run for their money.
Cargo planes are essential for fast-lifting the combat vehicles and ammunition troops depend on, and they can double as jump platforms for paratroopers. In this market dominated by the C-130 internationally, Brazil's Embraer hopes to make inroads with a faster and roomier aircraft.