New Aircraft Successfully Performed a Range of Systems
Validation Tests
Embraer is crowing about the maiden flight of the EMBRAER 190,
the third member of a family of new-generation commercial jets
specifically designed for the untapped 70- to 110-seat market. The
first flight marked the beginning of the EMBRAER 190's flight test
campaign, which will be conducted at Gaviao Peixoto, in the
interior of Sao Paulo state.
The EMBRAER 190, serial number 0001, took off Friday from the
company's Sao Jose dos Campos facility at 10:30 am (local time). In
its 2.45-hour mission, the new aircraft successfully performed a
range of systems validation tests and started the expansion of its
flight envelope.
"We are thoroughly satisfied with the memorable completion of
the EMBRAER 190's maiden flight, which set a new milestone in this
highly challenging program," said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer's
President and CEO. "Once in serial production, the EMBRAER 190, a
world class product, will meet and exceed the most demanding
requirements of the air transport industry."
Conclusion of the flight
test campaign will validate the new aircraft, which can be
configured for between 98 and 108 passengers, to receive type
certification in the third quarter of 2005. This will immediately
be followed by the first deliveries to launch customer JetBlue
Airways of the U.S..
"Our first flight of the EMBRAER 190 went remarkably well and
everything was as predicted, specially the confirmation of its
common flight characteristics with the other members of the family.
Without a doubt, pilots around the world will find this an
excellent aircraft to fly," said Embraer Flight Test
Pilot-in-Command Eduardo Menini. The test flight crew in the
EMBRAER 190's inaugural mission included Flight Test Chief Pilot
Luiz Carlos Rodrigues and Flight Test Engineer Fabio Costa.
The EMBRAER 190 was rolled out in early February in Sao Jose dos
Campos in a ceremony attended by customers, partners, suppliers as
well as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other
high-ranking civilian and military officials. Even before its
maiden flight, the EMBRAER 190 secured 110 firm orders.
The aircraft is powered by twin under-wing General Electric
CF34-10E engines controlled by a redundant Full Authority Digital
Engine Control (FADEC). This computerized management system
optimizes engine operation during all phases of flight, reducing
fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Like the other members of the EMBRAER 170/190 family, the
EMBRAER 190 has four main cabin doors and offers airlines fast
turn-around times and maximum cabin configuration flexibility for
dual class, single class, or high-density seating arrangements.
One of the strengths of the EMBRAER 170/190 project is the
comfort provided by the double-bubble fuselage design. Unlike other
aircraft with this seating capacity, this design offers much more
room around passengers' shoulders and feet. Additionally, seats and
aisles are the widest among airliners of the same class.
The high degree of commonality among the four family airliners
was designed to offfer exceptional operating and maintenance cost
reduction for the carriers. Moreover, cross crew qualification
(CCQ) allows better utilization of resources without the
restrictions normally associated with mixed-fleet flying.
Another important feature of the EMBRAER 170/190 program is the
use of fly-by-wire technology for the flight control systems,
similar to those deployed on advanced military aircraft and larger
commercial jets. Additionally, all four jets of the new family are
designed to meet and exceed the demanding noise and
emission-related requirements established by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The EMBRAER 170/190 family of aircraft has secured 245 firm
orders and 305 options from operators such as Air Caraibes,
Alitalia, Cirrus, GECAS, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, US Airways,
and JetBlue.