Embraer’s forth Phenom 100 jet successfully concluded its cold soak tests on April 14, moving ahead with the aircraft’s maturity campaign. The test was performed at a well known climate laboratory at Eglin U.S. Air Force Base, in Florida. Its objective is to certify the aircraft’s strength and the functioning of the plane and its components under condition of extreme cold.

“The maturity campaign is an important phase in the development of the Phenom 100 jet,” said Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive Jets. “The tests in Florida were conducted as planned and presented very satisfactory results. Now, the campaign will continue in Brazil over the coming months.”

On its first trip to the United States, the Phenom 100 jet remained in a cold chamber for over 12 hours, down to a temperature of -40°F (-40°C). The engines, systems, batteries, opening and closing of the door, and internal temperature were tested, among other things. All of the results were very positive. The cold soak tests not only certify the airplane’s functioning under extreme temperature conditions, but also provide valuable information for more robust and simplified procedures for operations in a cold climate.

The fourth Phenom 100 jet flew for the first time on March 26, this year, at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in outstate São Paulo. It is taking part in the maturity campaign, consisting of an intensive schedule of tests under real operating conditions, including exposure to extremes of heat and cold.

At the same time, Embraer is carrying out the certification campaign with the first three Phenom 100 aircraft. So far, vibration, stall, flight quality, performance, and the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), as well as other systems and aircraft features, have been tested.

Certification of the Phenom 100 is expected during the second half of 2008. The first Phenom 100 that will be delivered to a customer is already in the final pre-assembly stage.

About the Phenom 100

Premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating costs are key design drivers for the Phenom 100 best-in-class jet. With their interiors designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, both aircraft offer pilots and passengers the comfort and style previously unknown in its category. The relaxing ambience is enhanced by generous windows and the most ample cabins in its class. Onboard conveniences include a wardrobe or refreshment center, an aft cabin private lavatory with toiletry cabinet, and satellite communications.

The pilot-friendly cockpit and the docile flying qualities of the new aircraft enable single-pilot operation. Drawing on Embraer’s design and engineering experience, the Phenom 100 is designed for high utilization and availability. For added safety and reliability, the jet will offer a standard anti-skid brake-by-wire system.

Based on Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy® flight deck offers Phenom 100 jet operators more advantages than any other avionics suite on today’s market. The cockpit features three interchangeable 12-inch displays – two Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and one Multi-Function Display (MFD). The system integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication, terrain, traffic, weather, engine instrumentation, and crew-alert system data, and presents the composite information in brilliant, sunlight-readable color on three highdefinition active matrix liquid crystal displays.

In a typical club configuration, the Phenom 100 will comfortably accommodate four passengers. The spacious 55-cubic-foot (1.56-cubic-meter) baggage compartment stores luggage, golf bags and even skis.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F engines power the jet, with 1,615 pounds of thrust each. Its range with four occupants will be 1,160 nautical miles (2,148 km or 1,335 miles) with NBAA IFR reserves (35 minutes of holding and 100 nm alternate); or 1,320 nautical miles (2,445 km or 1,519 miles) with NBAA VFR reserves (45 minutes). The aircraft is capable of flying at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters) at a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.70 and is designed for short-field takeoffs. These characteristics will allow customers to fly nonstop from New York to Miami, and from Los Angeles to Vancouver or Denver at a lower cost than competitive aircraft, including turboprops.

The Phenom 100 is priced at US$ 2.98 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions, in the baseline configuration for FAA certification. The aircraft’s maiden flight took place in July 2007, and the jet is currently carrying out the certification flight test campaign, in order to enter service in the second half of 2008.