By Bryan Wong & Malcolm Lu
Photos by Malcolm Lu, Tok Niken & Bryan Wong
Specifications:
Seating (Dual Class Configuration): 120 (12J @36 in +108Y @31 in)
Length: 41.5 m (136.2 ft)
Height: 10.9 m (35.8 ft)
Wingspan: 35.124 m (115 ft 2 in)
Wing Ares: 103 m² (1108.7 ft²)
MTOW: 61,500 kg (135,584 lb)
Max Payload: 16,150 kg (35,605 lb)
Speed: Mach 0.78 (450 kn; 833 km/h)
Range (Full Pax Load): 2,600 nmi (4,800 km)
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,000 m)
Engines: 2× Pratt & Whitney PW1919G/21G/22G/23G
Fan Diameter: 73 in (185 cm)
Continuing in their long line of efficient narrow body commercial aircraft, Brazilian Aerospace giant Embraer breathes new life into their E-Jet line, with the introduction of the E195-E2. The latest variant is a modern, innovative incarnation of the E190, further enhancing its performance and most importantly, efficiency of the aircraft.
The Embraer E195-E2 (the Profit Hunter) was designed from the ground up to be as fuel-efficient as possible. One of the many differences between this aircraft and its predecessors are its engines. The E2 utilises dual Pratt & Whitney PW1000G. This is an engine with a high bypass ratio which helps in reducing the fuel burn by up to 11% as compared to the original E195. In addition to reducing fuel burn, the high bypass ratio also reduces both the noise being emitted from the engine as well as the carbon footprint of the aircraft.
The E2's wings have the highest aspect ratio of all single-aisle, narrow-body aircraft. The new raked wingtips have a much higher efficiency as compared to sharklets and traditional wingtips. This new raked wingtip design coupled together with the thin gull shape and lightweightness of the wing improves the aircraft's performance while simultaneously reducing its fuel consumption.
The landing gear has also been redesigned. The E2 employs a trailing arm design for its landing gear over the traditional telescopic designs used in other aircraft. This design was preferred due to the ease of maintenance and it is lighter in weight. For the trailing arm design being used in the profit hunter, it is extremely easy for the maintenance crew to remove and replace the shock absorber. Another benefit associated with this design is the shift of the centre of gravity of the aircraft further towards the aft position of the aircraft.
A modern 2 person glass cockpit with an intuitive fly by wire system onboard the E2 allowed the aircraft designers to shrink the horizontal stabiliser by up to 20% as compared to its predecessor. Having the horizontal stabiliser that much smaller reduced both the aircraft's structure weight and the total amount of drag acting on the aircraft while in flight.
The reduction in horizontal stabiliser's size, having the centre of gravity located further towards the aft position of the aircraft, redesigning the wing and a new high bypass ratio engine reduces the fuel burn (per seat) by up to 25%.
Another key innovation in the new E2 is the introduction of latched access panels on the exterior of the aircraft, allowing for quicker access as well as a smoother fuselage surface which increases aerodynamics and fuel savings.
Updates to the aircraft exterior are not the only innovations featured in the new E2. A new interior cabin design is also introduced on the aircraft, with passenger comfort and individual space being the primary emphasis in the design.
The E2 has a very unique business class layout, especially when comparing it to other narrow-body aircraft. The E2 uses a staggered business class arrangement, an arrangement common only to larger wide-body aircraft. There are several advantages to using such an arrangement. The first of which is that Embraer is able to increase the seat pitch to 52/54 inches up from 37/38 inches of the predecessor. The second advantage is that everyone has both aisle and window access, improving passenger comfort and flight experience.
Business class is not the only cabin with an update. The economy class cabin in the E2 is configured in a 2-2 layout, meaning that there is no middle seat. This comes with an added benefit of the seats being wider, allowing for greater passenger comfort. Another nice design consideration factored in is the removal of a seat divider, which means passengers would have greater legroom if they choose not to store a bag below the seat. Every seat comes equipped with a power outlet and airlines could choose either between a conventional power outlet or a usb power outlet. The addition of an in-seat screen is an option open to airlines.
The overhead bin size of the aircraft has been increased, such that it is now able to accommodate an IATA maximum size luggage (22x14x10 inches) for each passenger in a wheels first position. This is accomplished by shrinking the passenger service unit. In the previous E195, the passenger service unit was held in a large box. However, Embraer has broken it down into 2 smaller units that sit flush against the overhead compartment.
This creates a sense of individual space, as each passenger would have his/her own passenger service unit.
Lighting is key in the travel experience for passengers, and that was not overlooked in the new E2 cabin design. The inclusion of LED lighting systems not only saves space, but also allow different colours of lights to set the mood for passengers, from boarding of the aircraft, to meal time, sunset and so on. This allows the passengers the feel of transition of time, which further enhances the experience of flying. Larger windows also allows more natural light to fill the cabin, giving a brighter and less tight feel to the overall aesthetics and design of the E2 cabin.
The Embraer E195-E2 Profit Hunter is a true marvel and embodies modern design thinking in reducing weight, fuel usage, overall costs in maintenance, at the same time emphasising on allowing passengers a quieter, less costly and more personal flight. Such factors fits perfectly in its targetted market segment in the commercial aviation industry. Making its debut at the Singapore Airshow 2020, the Profit Hunter is sure to attract potential buyers and fellow aviation enthusiast alike.
About The Singapore Airshow 2020
The biennial Singapore Airshow is Asia’s largest and most influential international aerospace and defence exhibition for stakeholders to forge strategic alliances and collaborate for change to shape the future of the global aviation industry through its high-level conference, forums and co-located events. Leading industry players, government and military chiefs gather here bi-annually to contribute to dialogues, exchange ideas and seek solutions and strategies to advance the interests of the global aerospace and defence sector. Organised and managed by Experia Events Pte Ltd, the Singapore Airshow serves as a platform for high-level conferences such as the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) which brings together thought leaders and key decision makers in the global aerospace and defence industry. Singapore Airshow 2020 will take place at Changi Exhibition Centre from 11 to 16 February 2020. For more information on Singapore Airshow 2020, please visit https://www.singaporeairshow.com
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