Embraer has begun flight testing the third and final, member of the E-jets E2 family, the Embraer E175-E2. The regional aircraft made its maiden flight on December 12, 2019, with hopes to complete the programme by the end of 2021.

The first flight of the E175-E2 took place in Embraer’s Faria Lima complex. The aircraft took off and landed with fly-by-wire (FBW) controls in normal mode. Lasting for two hours and 18 minutes, the maiden flight was used to evaluate aircraft performance, flight quality and systems behavior.

In total three test aircraft are going to be used for the certification campaign, according to the manufacturer. The first and second prototypes will be used for aerodynamic, performance and system tests while the third prototype will already be outfitted with interior furnishings and used to validate maintenance tasks. 

Embraer E-jet E2 family

The E175-E2 is the third aircraft in E-jet E2 family and a successor of the original Embraer E175. In comparison to its predecessor, the new airliner fits one extra row of passenger seats (to 80 seats in two-class and 90 in single-class configuration) and offers airlines 16% savings on fuel, as well as 25% on maintenance costs per seat. 

The Embraer E-Jets E2 family also includes the E190-E2 and E195-E2, all derivatives of the original E-jets. Although, the “derivative” part is relative, as 75% of the E2 aircraft systems are new.

The changes, compared to the original family, include ultra-high-by-pass ratio Pratt & Whitney Geared TurboFan (GTF) PW1700G engines, new wing, landing gear, avionics, fourth generation fly-by-wire control, among other upgrades. 

Embraer also pitches the E2 family claiming it has “the longest maintenance intervals in the single-aisle jet category”. The aircraft offers 15 extra days of utilization (over a ten years period) compared to E-jets. Basic checks are required after 10,000 flight hours and there is no calendar limit for typical E-Jet operations. 

The first jet in the E2 family, the E190-E2, entered service in April 2018. The aircraft was certified in February 2018 following a 56 months flight test program for which four prototype aircraft were employed.

The E195-E2, the largest of E2s, received type certification in April 2019 and entered service with Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (Azul Brazilian Airlines) in September 2019. 

On the main photo: The first E2 to fly, Embraer E190-E2.