The $30 million Embraer 190 regional airliner, one of three aircraft from the Brazilian airframer on display at Farnborough this year, will fly during this week's flight demonstrations. The 100-passenger airplane is the first regional aircraft to be outfitted with a full fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system, and will show off its agility and envelope protection during its routine. FBW aboard the Embraer 190 and all next-generation Embraer jetliners is an advanced feature of its Honeywell PrimusEpic avionics suite. With 18,500-pounds-thrust provided by each of its CF34-10 turbofans, the 190 has a Learjet-like thrust-to-weight ratio, promising an exciting routine for spectators.
Embraer also has the $25 million, 70-passenger Embraer 170, on static display here in Alitalia Express livery, as well as its $22 million Legacy executive jet that can be viewed at Farnborough's Business Aircraft Park.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Sao Jose dos Campos firm has earned more than 600 orders and options for the 170 family. Certification flight-testing of the 78-pax Embraer 175 currently is underway and on schedule, with first flight of the 110-passenger Embraer 195 slated for third quarter 2004. The 170 is in service with LOT Polish Airlines, US Airways Express and Alitalia Express. Hopes are fast fading, however, for selling a large number of Embraer 190s to US Airways because of the carrier's deteriorating financial condition.
Legacy Executive sales are improving as potential corporate customers become acquainted with heavy-iron class cabin and super midsize price. It's fitted with a 6,850-pound capacity conformal belly fuel tank that enables it fly transcontinental U.S. trips against 95% probability winter headwinds. Embraer also offers a shorter-range, shuttle-configuration Legacy that can fly 16 to 37 passengers more than 1,650 miles with NBAA IFR reserves.
