EMBRAER IS STUDYING a long-range version of the EMB-145 regional jet, with uprated engines and increased fuel capacity. The aircraft would have a 3,000km (1,600nm) range, compared with the present 2,400km, and is intended to meet demand from US regional airlines for increased sector lengths.
The aircraft would be fitted with versions of the AE3007 turbofan providing 15% more thermodynamic power, but flat-rated to that same 33.2kN (7,430lb) take-off thrust as the current engine to simplify certification. Fan diameter would be unchanged, with the thrust increase achieved through hot-section and digital-control changes, says Embraer engineering director Luis Carlos Affonso.
Additional fuel would be housed in the wing centre-section and take-off gross weight would be increased. The existing 20,600kg (45,400lb) extended-range version of the EMB-145 is now regarded as the baseline variant of the 50-seat regional jet, Embraer says.
The Brazilian manufacturer plans to re-certificate the EMB-145 early in 1997 with a maximum Mach number of 0.78, after flight-testing revealed better than expected performance. US certification in December 1996 was based on the original estimate of M0.76. The additional speed will close the gap with Bombardier's competing Canadair Regional Jet, Embraer says. The company has already participated in a "fly-off" at Comair, which already operates the Regional Jet, and says it achieved block times almost identical to those of the Canadian 50-seater.
Embraer industrial vice-president Satoshi Yokota also reveals that the company is studying both larger and smaller derivatives of the EMB-145. A 70-seater with new four-abreast fuselage could be available in four years, he says, while a 30- to 40-seater based on the existing three-abreast fuselage could be available sooner. No decision to launch either derivative has been taken, he emphasises.
Source: Flight International
