The third Embraer E190-E2 flight test aircraft flew for the first time on August 27 the Brazilian company has announced. The flight test program for the design began ahead of schedule on May 23 this year and a second E2 prototype had its first flight on July 8. Four test aircraft are planned.
The third test aircraft took off from São José dos Campos, Brazil and “will be used primarily to test flying qualities and evaluate how the aircraft handles in icing conditions,” said Embraer in a statement.
The first test aircraft is in a program of tests on systems, loads, aero-elasticity, external noise and crosswind handling, Embraer said.
The second E2 is testing systems and general aircraft performance. The first two E190-E2 flight test aircraft have accumulated 150 flight hours so far, according to Embraer.
A fourth E2 will join flight testing in early 2017 according to a company statement. That aircraft will have a full-cabin interior and be used to measure passenger comfort and internal noise levels.
Embraer says the E190-E2 will enter service in the first half of 2018 if testing continues on schedule as it is now.
