Embraer ERJ 135

Summary

Description

Development of the ERJ 145 was launched in 1989, conceived as a turbofan-powered stretch of the EMB 120 Brasilia to meet a demand for regional jet aircraft, prioritizing speed and comfort over turboprops. Dubbed "Amazon," the 45–48 seat EMB 145 was revealed at the Paris Air Show in 1989, designed as an 18-foot stretch of the EMB 120 Brasilia. Initial plans aimed for a 1991 first flight, retaining 75% of Brasilia’s parts and systems, but design revisions followed after no engine supplier was initially willing to share the development risk, but the Allison GMA3007 (later renamed the Rolls-Royce AE 3007) was eventually selected in March 1990. A major reduction in Brazilian government spending resulted in Embraer suspending development for six months in November 1990. A revised configuration with increased wing sweep and underslung engines began wind tunnel testing in March 1991, and after further revisions, the definitive ERJ 145 first flew on August 11, 1995. The aircraft, priced at $14.5 million, was developed with risk-sharing partners including Gamesa of Spain for the wing, Enaer of Chile for the tail, and C&D Interiors of the USA for the cabin. Type certification was issued by the FAA on December 10, 1996, clearing the type for operational use in North America.

In December 1996, ExpressJet Airlines (then the regional division of Continental Airlines flying as Continental Express) received the first ERJ 145, subsequently launching operations with the aircraft in April 1997. The ERJ 145 gained popularity in the Americas, particularly on high-demand regional routes, but faced logistical challenges that hindered its success in the European market, although LOT Polish Airlines and British Regional Airlines (on behalf of British Airways) operated the type. During the early 2000s, some governments, including Belgium, procured the ERJ 145 for VIP transport, with Belgium operating two aircraft for government officials and the royal family from 2001 to 2020. By the 2020s, many operators began retiring their ERJ 145 fleets in favor of newer airliners, such as Embraer's E-Jet family, with some aircraft being sold to charter operators. A market for corporate/private travel also saw customers acquiring secondhand ERJ 145s for refurbishment into luxury configurations. As of August 2021, CommuteAir, operating as United Express under United Airlines, was the largest operator of the ERJ 145, with a fleet of 165 aircraft.

The Embraer ERJ family is a series of twin-engine jet-powered regional jets sharing high commonality with the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet, the main difference being the addition of winglets and extra fuel tanks on the latter. The airframe consists of stretched, machined, and chemically milled aluminum, complemented by CFRP for moving parts, GFRP for fairings and sidewalls, Kevlar for leading edges, and Nomex honeycomb-CFRP/GFRP sandwiches for floors. Power is provided by two Rolls-Royce AE 3007 series turbofan engines, each with a bypass ratio of 5:1 and generating up to 8,917 lbf of thrust, managed by dual Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) with data displayed on the engine-indicating and crew-alerting system (EICAS). The cockpit features the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, including an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) with five CRT monitors— Primary Flight Displays (PFDs), Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), and an Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS)—upgradeable to lighter, more functional LCD counterparts. The cabin can be configured in various interiors, seating up to 60 passengers in a commuter/airliner setup or between 16 and 28 in a premium arrangement, with an option for an offset aisle and overhead bins.

The R-99 family of military aircraft are part of the ERJ family. These military variants include the EMB 145SA (E-99A / E-99M) Airborne Early Warning model, the EMB 145RS (R-99B) remote sensing model, and the EMB 145MP/ASW (P-99) maritime patrol model.

Main Variants:

• ERJ 135ER: The Extended Range version, though designated as such, is the baseline ERJ 135 model, a simple shrink of the ERJ 145, seating thirteen fewer passengers for a total of 37.

• ERJ 140ER: The Extended Range variant of the ERJ 140 is the baseline model, a reduced-capacity version of the ERJ 145, accommodating 44 passengers.

• ERJ 145STD: The baseline ERJ 145 variant provides seating for a total of 50 passengers.

• ERJ 145LR: The Long Range version features increased fuel capacity and upgraded engines for extended operational capabilities.

• Legacy 600 (EMB 135BJ): A business jet variant based on the ERJ 135, offering a luxurious and comfortable travel experience.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Brazil	14
	Greece	4
	Mexico	3
	India	2
	Thailand	2

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Brazil • Greece • India • Mexico • Thailand

Photo of ERJ 135