Software problems have forced Embraer to delay certification and delivery of its first 170 airliner to initial customer Alitalia until November. This will be nearly a year later than the Brazilian manufacturer had planned, with the original schedule calling for first deliveries of the aircraft in December 2002.
Embraer chief executive Mauricio Botelho said difficulties with integrating the aircraft's advanced fly-by-wire system, Honeywell's Primus Epic "glass cockpit" avionics suite, and other systems were behind the delay.
However, the problems cannot be isolated to one particular system, he says. "It is integrated so it is difficult to say exactly what part is causing the problems."
Botelho denied that the problems were causing any strain between Embraer and Honeywell. "It doesn't affect our relationship. They are a very important and a very reliable industrial partner," he says.
Complex
Honeywell vice president programmes, business, regional and general aviation Vicki Panhuise, confirmed the reason for the delay, adding: "This is a complex application. We're treading new ground and all of us want to make sure that this is completed properly."
The 170 is the most advanced application of Honeywell's Primus Epic yet and includes avionics, utilities and fly-by-wire integration. Admitting that it was taking more time than expected to "finalise system development and integration to bring it to a revenue flight standard", 170 programme vice-president Luis Carlos Alfonso says. "All partners were beefing their teams up for this final sprint" towards certification.
Integration
This includes Honeywell, engine supplier GE, and other major system suppliers, he says. "It is a huge effort to finalise this integration among so many digital systems and to make it work flawlessly."
Honeywell refused to confirm that problems with certifying such a complex system with the FAA had added to the delay, although an industry source suggested that the FAA were on a steep learning curve too.
Botelho had a firm "no comment" over whether Honeywell will be liable to pay compensation over the delay, describing the matter as an "internal issue" between the manufacturers. The delay to the 170 will not affect the certification and first delivery dates of the 175, 190 or 195, according to Embraer.
Source: Flight Daily News
