Embraer ERJ 145 Platform Selected As Part Of Winning Bid On U.S. Army Aerial Common Sensor Program
Under the US$879 million SDD contract, the team will deliver five certified, mission ready airborne ISR systems, with initial testing planned for 2006. The balance of the effort would be performed under a follow-on low rate initial production contract anticipated in 2007, followed by a full rate production contract in 2009. The full contract has a potential value for the Lockheed Martin team of more than US$7 billion over the life of the expected 20-year program.
"The U.S. Army has chosen a system, and an airframe, that will provide unmatched capability, economics, performance and growth – all of which will directly enhance the performance of U.S. Army ground forces in any part of the world they may deploy," said Embraer President and CEO Maurício Botelho."With more than 800 units in operation and 5.5 million of in-flight hours, the well matured ERJ 145 platform has accumulated impressive reliability, dispatch, and safety records, which, combined with its low acquisition and operating costs, make it especially attractive for special applications like the ACS Program. Embraer is very excited to be a part of this team, and also to be moving forward with our plans for opening a new assembly facility in Jacksonville."
About The ACS Program
ACS will replace current ISR aircraft, including the Army's Guardrail Common Sensor, the Airborne Reconnaissance Low aircraft and the Navy's fleet of EP-3 aircraft. Under the System Development and Demonstration contract awarded today, the Lockheed Martin team will combine and enhance the capabilities of the current systems on these platforms into a single ISR mission package on a standard airborne platform.
About The ERJ 145 Family of Regional Jets
Embraer's ERJ 145 family provides the capacity and flexibility needed by operators to satisfy wide variations in demand and frequency that are typical of regional markets. Embraer aircraft have a rugged, proven structural design developed specifically for regional airline missions. They are well suited for high frequency use and typically operate around 2,800 flight hours per year.
The ERJ 145 family members (the 37-seat ERJ 135, 44-seat ERJ 140, 50-seat ERJ 145 and 50-seat ERJ 145 XR) share 95 percent commonality among all models, with low operating, crew training and maintenance costs. The ERJ 145's systems and main components can be easily accessed, simplifying maintenance activities and allowing faster turnarounds.
The ERJ 145 family platform has also been used to enhance Embraer's presence in other aviation segments, including the Corporate and the Defense markets. Embraer's Legacy Executive and Shuttle aircraft are derived from the ERJ 135 platform, whereas Defense products, such as the EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control), the EMB 145 RS/AGS (Remote Sensing/Air-to-Ground Surveillance), and the EMB 145 MP/ASW (Maritime Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare) are based on the proven ERJ 145 platform.
Embraer is a major aerospace company with 34 years of experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, selling and providing after sales support to aircraft for the global airline, defense and corporate markets. With headquarters in São José dos Campos, state of Sao Paulo, the Company has offices and customer service bases in Australia, China, France, Singapore and the United States. Embraer is among Brazil's leading exporting companies.
Source: Embraer