Plane Gets 'Chilly' Reception On First US Trip

Embraer’s fourth Phenom 100 jet successfully concluded its cold soak tests on April 14, moving ahead with the aircraft’s maturity campaign. The test was performed at a well-known climate laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Its objective is to certify the aircraft’s strength and the functioning of the plane and its components under condition of extreme cold.

"The maturity campaign is an important phase in the development of the Phenom 100 jet," said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive Jets. "The tests in Florida were conducted as planned and presented very satisfactory results. Now, the campaign will continue in Brazil over the coming months."

On its first trip to the United States, the Phenom 100 jet remained in a cold chamber for over 12 hours, down to a temperature of -40°F. The engines, systems, batteries, opening and closing of the door, and internal temperature were tested, among other things. All of the results were very positive. The cold soak tests not only certify the airplane’s functioning under extreme temperature conditions, but also provide valuable information for more robust and simplified procedures for operations in a cold climate.

The fourth Phenom 100 jet flew for the first time on March 26, this year, at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in outstate São Paulo. It is taking part in the maturity campaign, consisting of an intensive schedule of tests under real operating conditions, including exposure to extremes of heat and cold.

At the same time, Embraer is carrying out the certification campaign with the first three Phenom 100 aircraft. So far, vibration, stall, flight quality, performance, and the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), as well as other systems and aircraft features, have been tested.

Certification of the Phenom 100 is expected during the second half of 2008. The first Phenom 100 due for customer delivery is already in the final pre-assembly stage, according to the Brazilian planemaker.

FMI: www.embraer.com