Brazil

Description:

Twin- turbofan regional airliner

Power Plant:

Two 7,426 lbst Rolls Royce / Allison AE 3007A turbofans

Specifications:

History:

Originally known as the Embraer EMB 145, the ERJ 145 was a new generation regional airliner designed to take advantage of the latest technology in turbofan engines, providing jet speeds between regional centres at almost turboprop costs. Plans for the development of the aircraft were revealed in 1989 and proposed first flight of the prototype PT-ZJA (c/n 145-001) was scheduled for 1991. However, because of Company cutbacks the program was delayed, first flight taking place on 11 August 1995, followed by three pre-series aircraft. Deliveries began in 1996.

The fuselage was basically a stretch of the Brazilia with the tail-cone modified to allow for the rear mounted engines. Originally the design was for underwing mounted engines but this was changed to the rear fuselage. Accommodation was provided for two pilots, a flight observer, cabin attendant, and up to 50 passengers in three-abreast seating.

A number of other companies entered partnership agreements with Embraer in the development and production of the type, including Sonaca in Belgium for the rear fuselage, engine pylons, cargo door and centre fuselage section; EAAER of Chile for the fin, tailplane and elevators; C & D Interiors for passenger cargo compartment interior; and Honeywell Business and Commuter Aviation Systems for digital avionics suite, etc. The structure was aluminium, with composites used only for wing/fuselage fairings, flaps, ailerons, spoilers, fin leading- edge, dorsal fin and horizontal to vertical tail fairing. Enginewais the Rolls Royce Allison AE3007 with FADEC control.

Two variants were initially available, the standard ERJ 145 and the ERJ 145ER, the latter to provide extended range, being able to fly 2,187 km (1,359 miles) with a full passenger load. By mid 1998 more than 350 examples had been ordered.

Further variants became available including the EMB 145SA and EMB 145RS were based on the increased max take-off weight of the ERJ 145LR, changes to the airframe including increased fuel tankage in fuel cells in the rear fuselage, a modified undercarriage, wheels and brakes, and up-rated Rolls Royce Allison AE 3007A1P engines, etc. In addition, the EMB 145SA for AEW & C duties (airborne early warning and control) duties was fitted with an Ericsson PS-890 Erieye phased array pulse Doppler radar mounted on struts above the fuselage, the prototype of this model PP-XSA (c/n 145-104) flying on 22 May 1999, one of the first customers for which was Greece.

Further variants of the series were made available, including the ERJ 135 with 7,426 lbst Rolls Royce Allison AE 3007A1/3 turbofans, this model having a length of 26.33 m (86 ft 5 in), a wing span of 20.04 m (65 ft 9 in) and seating 37 passengers, having 98 per cent parts commonality with the ERJ 145 but being 3.6 m (11 ft 8 in) shorter and having a max take-off weight of 20,000 kg (44,092 lb). The ERJ 140 had the same engines as the other models, also having 98 per cent parts commonality, the same crew type rating and seating 44 passengers, having a length of 28.45 m (93 ft 5 in), a wingspan of 20.04 m (65 ft 9 in), and a make take-off weight of 21,100 kg (46,517 lb). As at mid 2007 total orders for the series was 915, with 862 delivered.

In 1994 Flightwest Airlines in Western Australia announced it had ordered two examples for delivery in 1996, the registration VH-FNQ being reserved, but the order was cancelled.

In early 1998 an ERJ 145 PT-ZJO made a demonstration tour in this region. In late 1998 National Jet Systems announced it had ordered two examples, the first c/n 145-095 (ex CS-TPM) being expected to arrive in January 1999 and becoming VH-ICA, the second c/n 145-099 (ex CS-TPN) to arrive the following month and becoming VH-ICD. The first aircraft was painted in the markings of VH-ICA at Sao Paulo, but in the event neither was imported, c/n 145-095 becoming PT-SBR and c/n 145-099 becoming PT-SBV, both with Airlines Fleets Portugalia.

In mid 2007 Brisbane-based charter company, SkyAirWorld, announced it was obtaining two ERJ 145s from Lot Polish Airlines for its charter operations, stating it expected to obtain a further two, the first aircraft being an EMB 145MP, becoming VH-SZF (c/n 14508) in June 2008, followed by a similar model VH-SZH (c/n 145441). However, in March 2009 the recession hit the airline industry and SkyAirWorld ceased operations, the two 145s being re-possessed and parked, pending their export, later being exported to Ireland.

JetGo, a charter and resource fly-in / fly-out specialist company, in mid 2014 stated it had acquired three 44-seat EMB 140LRs from Republic Airlines in the United States in order to expand its business, the aircraft being delivered in August, September and October 2014, the company at that time already operating three ERJ 135s. At that time the company stated it was considering commencing regular public transport (RPT) services.  Services continued for a period but eventually the company ceased operations and the aircraft were exported.