Embraer and engine-supplier General Electric are conducting "low-level studies" of a possible thrust increase for the forthcoming Embraer 195 to meet the potential need for greater range. They are confident any final power margin increases will be made using an adaptation of the CF34-10E.
Pratt & Whitney says it has provided details of the larger PW6000 engine, but Embraer is adamant the higher-power requirement is "nothing beyond a study, and we remain with our single-source partner GE", says director of market intelligence Orlando Neto. The initial aircraft, due to make its maiden flight in the third quarter of 2004, is designed to carry up to 110 passengers on routes of around 3,150km (1,800nm). It is due to be certificated in the second quarter of 2006 powered by CF34-10Es rated at 20,000lb thrust (89kN).
The lighter 190 variant, which seats up to 100 passengers, began flight tests in March. This version will be powered with engines de-rated to 18,500lb when it enters service with JetBlue in August 2005. GE Small Commercial Engine Operation general manager Chip Blankenship says: "We can do things with materials and the details of the architecture to push it beyond 20,000lb if that's what the aircraft needs. But we are having on-going discussions with the airlines to see what they want to do with this aircraft and what the engine can do to meet those requirements."
Neto says: "The 195 is a trunk airliner. Compared to the 170/190, which is mainly for Europe, where we can exchange range for payload, the 195 is getting closer to the limits."
GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
