Celebration Time: Senior Executives of Embraer at the nose of the plane christening the E190-E2 with champagne

On February 25 this year, Brazilian aerospace major Embraer achieved a major milestone in the realm of commercial jets when it rolled out the E190-E2, the first E2 jet, Embraer’s secondgeneration of the E-Jets family. The presentation ceremony was held at Embraer’s plant in São José dos Campos. Embraer, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats announced that the aircraft’s maiden flight would happen in the second half of 2016, with entry into service scheduled for 2018.

“Today we have taken another step into the future of Embraer commercial aviation with the world premiere of our second-generation E-Jets,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “I’m sure that as a result of this event, the market’s interest in the E2 will grow even further, increasing the commercial success of this programme throughout the world.”

With an investment of $1.7 billion, the E2 programme was launched in June 2013 and reinforces Embraer’s commitment to continuously invest in its commercial aviation products as well as maintain market leadership in the segment of 70 to 130 seats. The aircraft will have state-of-the-art engines, which, combined with new aerodynamically advanced wings, full flyby-wire flight controls, and improvements to other systems, will deliver significant reductions in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise.

640 orders and more

Since the E2 was launched, the programme has reached 640 commitments, 267 of which are firm orders and 373 of which are options and purchase rights, from both airline customers and leasing companies. Currently, the E-Jets are operating with about 70 customers in 50 countries and, with over 50 per cent market share, they are the global leader in the segment of aircraft with up to 130 seats.

“The rollout held today marks the completion of the assembly of the first E190-E2 and paves the way for the start of the tests that will lead to the first flight,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Senior Vice President Operations & COO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We are delighted to reach this phase of the programme, considering all of the technical and economic objectives set out at its inception.”

This aircraft is the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification campaign. Two additional planes will be added for the E195-E2 campaign, entry into service for which is expected in 2019, and three more will be used in the E175-E2 campaign, which is scheduled to enter service in 2020. The E190-E2 has the same number of seats as the current generation E190 and can be configured with 97 seats in dual class service or with 106 seats in a single class layout. Additionally, the range of the E190-E2 has been significantly increased over the current generation aircraft, by 400 nautical miles, with the capacity to cover distances of 2,800 nautical miles.

Fully loaded features

The E190-E2 with 97 passengers will give minus 16 per cent fuel burn per passenger compared to the E190. It is a fourth generation fly-by-wire aircraft offering better fuel efficiency and a smoother flight. The 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.

AHEAD-PRO

AHEAD-PRO is a computational web-based platform to continuously monitor the health of the fleet, providing timely maintenance information in a friendly and straightforward way. With AHEAD-PRO aircraft systems health condition is systematically assessed and unplanned maintenance of monitored systems is avoided by means of failures occurrence prediction. Moreover the activities of fault identification, troubleshooting and resources planning occur before the aircraft lands its destination, optimising airline turn-around time between flights.

Advanced Avionics

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.

E2 has wireless connectivity; enhanced central maintenance computer, and ‘SmartView.’ It has improved navigation with graphical flight planning; next-generation FMS; INAV and GBAS and GLS. For improved situational awareness, it has good cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI); IntuVue 3D weather radar; and SmartRunway and SmartLanding.

Commonality

One of the features of the E2 is the common type rating between current-generation E-Jets and the E2s which makes it easy to transition between aircraft. In fact, it takes a maximum of three days of training. Pilots complete self-instruction and classroom modules before reviewing cockpit procedures in a trainer. Highlevel flight training systems and time in a full-flight simulator are not necessary for E-Jets pilots to qualify on the E2.

Geared to save fuel

Pratt & Whitney PurePower Geared Turbofan Engine E2’s new GTF engines — the PW1700G (E175-E2) and PW1900G (E190-E2 and E195-E2) — have an advanced gear system that allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. They work in combination with new aerodynamically advanced wings and other advanced controls and systems to create doubledigit improvements in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise.

Cabin Interior

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.

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 leg room 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.

Personal space

The new overhead bins have over 40 per cent volume per passenger increase over current E-Jets. It maximises the number of cases and expedites boarding. The personal PSU concept for economy and first class. The first class is a 2+1 concept with maximum seat width with 23" seat pan and typical seat pitches from 36" to 40". It has a staggered concept with increased legroom for individual seats. It has a widebody cabin feel with 50; seat pitch and facilitates easy reconfiguration.

The E2 has a pretty good order book already, with firm orders for 267 aircraft and 373 options a 640 commitments

At home with mainline, regional or low-fare

The E190-E2 is equally at home in mainline, regional and low-fare business applications. The flexibility of the E2’s cabin configuration means it can offer the same on-board standards and amenities found on their larger single-aisle jets. Airlines can improve fleet efficiency by scheduling the E190-E2 on the same long-haul routes as their big narrowbodies. Flying as a complement to larger jets that are harder to fill can make long, thin routes profitable. On the E2, no one is ever stuck in the middle. All seats are either by the window or on the aisle.

Range Circles

Discover where in the world the E2 can take you. Short haul routes, long sectors, feeding hubs, opening new markets—whatever the mission, E-Jets E2 go the distance. It is the ideal combination of capacity and range in one high-performance aircraft. The E2 easily can replace ageing fleets with the world’s most advanced aircraft. While passengers will love the experience, Embraer says airline accountants will love the better bottom line.

The E2 has a pretty good order book already, with firm orders for 267 aircraft and 373 options/purchase rights, bringing the total commitments to 640.