Embraer has advanced development of the planned 108-seat stretch version of the ERJ-170/190 regional jet on the back of a massive $4.9 billion order from Crossair and will complete the selection of all remaining subsystem and structural suppliers within the month.
Crossair's launch order comprises 30 ERJ-170s and an identical number of larger ERJ-190-200s. The first 70-seat aircraft will be delivered in December 2002, with the 108-seat variant following in June 2004. The original baseline 98-seat ERJ-190-100 will enter the market in June 2005, says the Brazilian manufacturer.
The 37.33m (122.5ft)-long ERJ-190-200 represents a 2.44m stretch of the -100 fuselage to accommodate an extra three rows of seats. "This was a very attractive solution for us as in 2004-5 we're replacing the 90-seat Avros [RJ100s] and we're looking for growth potential in due time," says Crossair president Moritz Suter.
Embraer has confirmed selection of the General Electric CF34-8E and growth -10 engine to power the ERJ-170 and -190 respectively, together with Honeywell's Primus Epic avionics suite with five-liquid crystal displays. "We're in final negotiations for all other packages and these will be selected by early July," says ERJ-170/190 programme manager Luis Affonso.
Selection decisions due to be taken in the next two weeks include the auxiliary power unit, air management system, landing gear, flight controls, electrical and hydraulic systems. This will be followed within four weeks by decisions on the five major structural components, which are understood to have attracted bids from Enaer of Chile, Spanish company Gamesa and the new Korea Aerospace Industries.
A decision will be taken on the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system by the end of the year, on completion of the joint definition phase with risk sharing partners. "Some systems will be FBW such as the spoilers, but we've not decided whether to go for full primary controls. It will depend on maintainability and reliability," says Affonso.
Embraer is projecting sales of 650 aircraft over the next year, 250 of which it estimates will be the larger ERJ-190. Crossair has taken options on another 100 -170/190s to cover potential future sales to its Qualiflyer partner carriers. The ERJ-170 will replace Saab 2000s. Its order also includes 15 ERJ-145s to replace Saab 340s and options on another 25, some of which will be smaller ERJ-135s.
Regional Airlines, the Nantes, France-based carrier, has become joint launch customer for the ERJ-170 with a deal for up to 15 aircraft, valued at $350 million.
Source: Flight International
