Andrew Doyle/SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS
Embraer expects to determine by February whether it must install a speedbrake on the belly fairing of its new ERJ-170 regional jet to meet steep-approach guarantees given to launch customer Crossair.
The Brazilian manufacturer says it hopes the requirement can be met by introducing an extra flap setting instead, but admits that the current second phase of windtunnel testing may confirm that the speed-brake is required.
"We have yet to determine that, but our target is that the standard aircraft can do it," says ERJ-170/190 programme director Luis Carlos Affonso.
The speedbrake is included in the ERJ-170 design, although the project is only halfway through the definition phase. Crossair has secured a guarantee from Embraer that the 70-seater will be capable of operating into runway-restricted airports such as London City.
Crossair vice-president, marketing, Richard Heideker, says about half of the 30 ERJ-170s the carrier has on firm order must be capable of serving London City, as well as Berne and Lugano in Switzerland.
The Swiss airline also hopes eventually to operate ERJ-135s into the same airports. Embraer officials say this is still being evaluated, but the 37-seater will almost certainly suffer payload restrictions for such operations.
UK carrier British Regional Airlines is also looking at the ERJ-135 for London City, but is waiting for Embraer to determine by the end of the month the extent of the payload restrictions.
Crossair is the launch customer for the ERJ-170 and 108-seat ERJ-190-200, with 160 orders and options. The first ERJ-170 is due for delivery in late 2002, while the first ERJ-190 should be handed over in early 2004.
The carrier will receive the first of up to 40 ERJ-145s in February, which will be the first aircraft to carry Crossair's new livery.
Source: Flight International
