Embraer ERJ

Embraer ERJ
Name	Embraer ERJ
Caption	Cockpit of an ERJ 145
National origin	Brazil
Manufacturer	Embraer
First flight	11 August 1995 (ERJ 145)
Introduction	December 1996 with ExpressJet Airlines
Status	In service
Primary users	SkyWest Airlines, Envoy Air, Republic Airways, Mesa Airlines
Produced	1996–2020
Number built	1,231 (all ERJ variants)
Variants with their own articles	Embraer E-Jet family

Embraer ERJ. The Embraer ERJ family is a series of twin-engine, regional jet aircraft designed and manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer. Primarily comprising the ERJ 145 series, along with the smaller ERJ 135 and ERJ 140, these aircraft were developed to serve the rapidly expanding regional airline market in the 1990s. The program was a commercial success, establishing Embraer as a major competitor to Bombardier Aviation in the regional jet sector and leading directly to the development of the larger Embraer E-Jet family.

Development and variants

The program originated from the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, a successful turboprop, with initial studies for a jet derivative launched in 1989. The project, initially named the EMB-145 Amazon, was fundamentally redesigned with new wings and rear-mounted engines, evolving into a clean-sheet design. The first flight of the initial 50-seat ERJ 145 occurred on 11 August 1995, with certification from Brazil's Centro Técnico Aeroespacial and the Federal Aviation Administration following in late 1996. The family was expanded with the 37-seat Embraer ERJ 135, which first flew in 1998, and the 44-seat Embraer ERJ 140, introduced in 2001. Several variants were produced, including extended-range models like the ER and LR, and specialized versions such as the R-99 for AEW&C and the Legacy 600 business jet. Production of the ERJ family concluded in 2020 after over 1,200 deliveries, superseded by the second-generation Embraer E-Jet E2 family.

Design

The ERJ family features a conventional low-wing cantilever monoplane design with a T-tail configuration. The aircraft are powered by two rear-mounted Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan engines, which provide efficient performance and reduce cabin noise. The airframe utilizes a combination of aluminum alloys and composite materials. The cockpit is equipped with a Honeywell-supplied glass cockpit with EFIS displays, and the aircraft employs a fly-by-wire system for its spoilers. The cabin, typically configured in a single-class layout, offers a relatively narrow fuselage cross-section derived from its Brasilia heritage, with seating arranged in a 1-2 configuration.

Operational history

The ERJ 145 entered service in December 1996 with Continental Express operator ExpressJet Airlines, quickly becoming a mainstay of the North American regional airline network. Major carriers like American Eagle, operated by Envoy Air, and Delta Connection carriers such as SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways built large fleets. The aircraft enabled airlines to replace turboprops on longer thin routes, benefiting from higher speeds and greater passenger appeal. Beyond North America, the type saw significant service with European carriers like KLM Cityhopper and Air France Hop, as well as airlines across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Brazilian Air Force operates several specialized military variants, including the EMB 145SA for surveillance.

Operators

Primary commercial operators have historically included major U.S. regional carriers. As of recent years, key operators are SkyWest Airlines, Envoy Air (for American Airlines), Republic Airways (for Delta, American, and United Airlines), and Mesa Airlines. In Europe, notable operators have included KLM Cityhopper, Air France Hop, and Lufthansa CityLine. Other significant operators worldwide have included Japan Air Commuter, Bangkok Airways, and Austral Líneas Aéreas. Many aircraft have transitioned to secondary markets with smaller airlines and charter operators following retirement from major carrier service.

Specifications (ERJ 145 family)

* **Crew:** 2 pilots + 3 flight attendants * **Capacity:** 50 passengers (typical) * **Length:** 28.45 m (93 ft 4 in) * **Wingspan:** 20.04 m (65 ft 9 in) * **Height:** 6.76 m (22 ft 2 in) * **Empty weight:** 11,990 kg (26,433 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 22,000 kg (48,501 lb) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Rolls-Royce AE 3007A turbofans, 33.0 kN (7,420 lbf) thrust each * **Max speed:** 834 km/h (518 mph, 450 kn) * **Cruise speed:** 828 km/h (515 mph, 447 kn) * **Range:** 2,964 km (1,842 mi, 1,600 nmi) (ERJ 145LR) * **Service ceiling:** 11,278 m (37,000 ft)

Accidents and incidents

The operational safety record of the ERJ family has been generally good. A notable accident occurred on 19 August 2002, when a LAPA ERJ 145-200 (flight 3142) crashed on takeoff from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires, resulting in 65 fatalities. On 14 October 2004, Pinnacle Airlines flight 3701, an ERJ 145LR, crashed near Jefferson City, Missouri following an aerodynamic stall during a non-revenue positioning flight, killing both pilots. Another significant incident involved a Comair ERJ 145 that experienced a dual engine flameout in 2003 but landed safely. These events were investigated by authorities like the National Transportation Safety Board and influenced operational procedures.

Category:Aircraft manufactured in Brazil Category:Regional jet aircraft