E190-E2 prototype number four in the air

Embraer has successfully conducted a 2hr maiden flight of the fourth prototype of its E190-E2 jet, which is to be used for specific interior tests such as cabin evacuation, environmental comfort and internal noise.

It follows the roll-out of the first model at the company’s São José dos Campos plant earlier this year (BTN 20 February). The new prototype, serial number 20.004, joins a test fleet which combined has accumulated more than 650 flight hours to date.

The first E190-E2 jet is on schedule to be delivered next year to launch operator Widerøe of Norway. Embraer Commercial Aviation COO Luis Carlos Affonso said in terms of the certification campaign, the manufacturer had already frozen the aerodynamic configuration and concluded many of the tests in the programme.

These included flying qualities assessment, short field take-off and landing, climb performance, in-flight thrust determination, landing gear stability and other systems, with high speed flying qualities, flutter, natural ice and cold soak tests to follow.

In addition to the flight test campaign, Embraer is performing more than 30,000hr of ground tests as well as integration analysis with the goal of “delivering a more mature airplane upon entry into service”.

www.embraer.com

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