INTERVIEW: MARK DUNNACHIE, VP, EMBRAER COMMERCIAL AVIATION, ASIA-PACIFIC
The E190-E2 is scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2018
BRAZILIAN AEROSPACE BEHEMOTH IS making strong headway in the regional aviation realm with its family of regional aircraft. In the near future, the skies will see the next generation of Embraer aircraft – the E-Jet E2 family, a family of three narrow-body medium-range twin-engine jet aircraft, replacing the predecessor Embraer E-Jet family. The progress of the E-Jet E2 is going on at an amazing pace. The E-Jets E2 order book as of July 2016 is 670 commitments and 272 firm orders.
THIRD PROTOTYPE MAIDEN FLIGHT
On August 27, another E190-E2, serial number 20.003, took off on its maiden flight from the company’s facility in São José dos Campos. The new E-Jet is the third of four prototypes to join the E190-E2 certification programme. Prototype 20.003 will be used primarily to test flying qualities and evaluate how the aircraft handles in icing conditions.
The first E190-E2 prototype aircraft, serial number 20.001, is currently conducting tests on systems, loads, aero-elasticity, external noise and handling in crosswinds. It first flew on May 23 of this year and made its international debut at the Farnborough Air Show in London in mid-July. The second E190-E2 prototype, serial number 20.002, made its inaugural flight on July 8. It is used to test systems and general aircraft performance. These two prototypes have accumulated more than 150 flight hours. The fourth prototype, serial number 20.004 is scheduled to take flight by early next year. It will feature a production-series, full-cabin interior and will measure comfort and internal noise levels, and be used to conduct specific tests, such as cabin evacuation.
In addition to the flight test campaign, the E190-E2 certification programme has accumulated almost 21,000 hours of tests on rigs and the iron bird, and many hours of simulations on the virtual aircraft. The E190-E2 is scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2018.
Launched at the Paris Air Show in 2013, Embraer E-Jets E2 are scheduled for first deliveries in 2018.
IN COMBINATION WITH NEW AERODYNAMICALLY ADVANCED WINGS, STATE-OFTHE-ART FULL FLY-BY-WIRE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND OTHER SYSTEMS EVOLUTIONS, THEY WILL RESULT IN DOUBLEDIGIT IMPROVEMENTS IN FUEL BURN, MAINTENANCE COSTS, EMISSIONS AND EXTERNAL NOISE
FROM 2011 TO NOW
It was in November 2011 that the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced that it would develop revamped versions of the highly successful E-Jet family, rather than an all-new aircraft. It announced three variants – E175-E2; E190-E2 and E195-E2. The three variants share the same fuselage cross sections with different lengths and three different new wings; Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofans in two sizes; fly-by-wire controls with new avionics and upgraded cabin with 40 per cent enlarged baggage bins. The announced improvements per seat were 16 to 24 per cent lower fuel burn and 15 to 25 per cent lower maintenance cost.
The first E-Jet E2, an E190-E2, was rolled out on February 25, 2016, and its maiden flight on May 23. It flew 3:20 Mach number 0.82, climbed to 41,000 feet, retracted the landing gear and flaps, and engaged the fly-by-wire in normal mode. The second prototype made its maiden flight on July 8, 2016. The flight lasted 175 minutes without any incidents.
FULL FLY-BY-WIRE
Embraer states that the fourth-generation full fly-by-wire (FWB) on the E2 improves flying qualities and boosts fuel efficiency. The E2 will take advantage of the FWB expertise developed by Embraer for the E-Jets, Legacy 500 and the KC-390. E2 three-axis closed loop system improves aircraft stability during turbulence and provides complete envelope protection in all phases of flight. The system is also designed to maximise fuel efficiency. The closed loop configuration allows the E2 empennages to be smaller thus reducing aircraft drag and weight.
E2’s advanced integrated avionics system provides exceptional situational awareness enhanced by large landscape displays and reduced pilot workload. Innovative technologies such as synthetic vision and advanced flight management support more fuel-efficient direct approaches to airports. Cockpit commonality with current-generation E-Jets allows for a smooth transition to the new E2 platform.
The E2s sport high-aspect ratio wings with swept tips that, combined with redesigned pylons and other aerodynamic improvements – coupled with enhanced fourth-generation full fly-by-wire – achieve double-digit lower fuel consumption compared to current-generation E-Jets.
AN OPTIMISED COMBINATION
The wing and engine combination for the E175-E2 and a common larger wing and engine for the E190-E2/E195-E2 are optimised to deliver maximum performance.
INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A NEW-GENERATION
A look inside E2 reveals thoughtful, well-conceived design that has the power to please from all perspectives. A totally new environment far exceeds the norm and thoughtfully addresses the varied needs of passengers, crew, airlines, and leasing companies alike. As within a fashionable hotel or restaurant, a prevailing sense of quality begins with the welcoming atmosphere of the boarding point and continues with such elements as style and tone of lighting, contemporary materials, quality fabrics, and glass partitions. Within these surroundings passengers enjoy their own physical and emotional ‘space within a space’ — their ‘personal territory.’
This ‘bubble’ with control is achieved through the coming together of small things that deliver a larger benefit — elements such as clarity of seat signage, individual PSUs, seat back screens, and additional legroom in economy.
The passenger-preferred 2x2 configuration gives a perception of wider aisles while simplifying movement through the cabin. The position of bin doors when open, coupled with dramatic ceiling illumination, creates a sense of height and space above the aisle. Premium seating further conveys a feeling of openness. Overall, the E2 interior generates a smoothing-out effect on the passenger journey experience — reducing the traditional stress points of boarding, inflight activity, and disembarking.
PUREPOWER ENGINES
Embraer has selected Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofan™ engines for its future, second-generation of E-Jets, with entry into service planned for 2018. The new engines—the PW1700G and PW1900G—range in thrust from 15,000 to 22,000 pounds. In combination with new aerodynamically advanced wings, state-of-the-art full flyby-wire flight controls and other systems evolutions, they will result in double-digit improvements in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise.
The second-generation of E-Jets will be a significant step in Embraer’s commitment to continuously invest in this line of commercial jets, complementing a series of ongoing improvements currently being implemented in the existing family, with great benefits to its customers. Embraer’s objective is to offer the best product and maintain its leadership in the 70- to 120-seat market.