EBACE Show News - May 20, 2008 - (Page 54) EBACE 2008 Embraer Steps Up Its Presence in Florida Embraer will invest $51 million in a facility in Melbourne, Florida, devoted to its business jet business—specifically including assembly of its Phenom 100 VLJ and Phenom 300 light jet. The 149,500-square-foot facility will be located at Melbourne Airport, about 70 miles southeast of Orlando. By 2011, some 200 people are expected to be employed at the plant for aircraft assembly, production planning, logistics and quality control, interior design, engineering, painting, delivery, flight testing and corporate administration functions, according to Embraer president and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado. “Developing highly competitive facilities in the southeastern part of the United States solidifies our commitment in meeting the expectations of our customers of the business jet market,” said Curado. “With this new investment, Embraer is proud to strengthen its presence in the state of Florida.” Meanwhile, Embraer’s fourth Phenom 100 completed cold-soak tests at the climate lab at Eglin AFB, Florida, April 14, and then flew back to Brazil. The number four airplane is devoted to a maturity campaign, an accelerated program of exposure to real-world operating conditions including extremes of heat and cold. The first three Phenom 100s are involved in the official certification program. The aircraft cold-soaked in the test hangar for over 12 hours, down to a temperature of -40°F. Tests included the engines, systems, batteries, door operation and internal cabin temperatures. The cold-soak tests not only verify 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, according to the company. The maturity campaign will continue in Brazil. Certification is still expected during the second half of this year. The first Phenom 100 slated for customer delivery is already in the final pre-assembly stage, Embraer said. —Aviation Week & Space Technology Phenom 100 successfully completed its cold soak tests at Eglin AFB in Florida.
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