Risk Sharing Partners Complete ERJ-170/-190 Configuration Design

The partners involved in designing and building the Embraer ERJ-170/-190 class regional jets have frozen the design, concluding the program's Joint Definition Phase.

Engineers and designers from the 10 risk-sharing partners for the already highly successful series of regional jets spent eight months in the definition phase. The study was conducted at Embraer's Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, facility.

Its conclusion clears the way for detailed system design and for suppliers to start manufacturing hardware in preparation for first flight of the 70-seat ERJ-170 in late 2001. First deliveries are scheduled for 2002.

"Joint definition activities help assure that we will meet all the demanding performance requirements of state-of-the-art aircraft such as the ERJ-170/-190 family," said Ron McKenna, president of program partner Hamilton Sundstrand. The company believes it can generate over $1 billion in business from its work on the project, including supplying the entire tail section and auxiliary power unit compartment. It will also undertake the design and building of the aircraft's electric system, supply the ram-air turbine and the flap and slat actuation system.

By Robert Wall