ERJ 145
The Embraer ERJ 145 is a twin-engined regional jet plane with 50 seats. It has a range of about 2500 km and a cost of ownership of about $2,500,000 per year.
History
Launch was in 1989 as a stretched and jet-engined version of the EMB 120 Brasilia. However by 1990 Embraer was studying a modified design which had less commonality with the Brasilia because wind-tunnel testing had revealed that it did not meet design objectives, such as a 2500km range. A modified design was produced, but this would have needed an unusually high undercarriage.
In late 1991 the Embraer ERJ-145 was frozen, now with rear mounted engines. It did keep some features from the Brasilia, such as the three abreast seating (2+1).
The first flight took place on August 11th 1995, with the first delivery in December 1996 to Expressjet, the regional division of Continental Airlines. Continental are by far the largest operator, with 245 of the 700+ in service. The other major operator is American Eagle, with 136 of the aircraft.
Models
There are two main versions:
ERJ 145ER - The Standard Version
ERJ 145LR - Longer Range
The Brazilian military version is the R-99.
The ACS version will see service with the United States Army and Navy.
