In a bid to gain critical intelligence about aircraft systems and infrastructure, Embraer (ERJ) is about to begin testing a new diagnostic tool that is designed to test systems in flight and then forward the information to the destination airports needed. Forwarding the diagnostic information will help maintenance crews prepare for specific issues or problems with the aircraft, thereby speeding up ground maintenance. A test program titled "Aircraft Health Analysis and Diagnosis" (AHeAD) is about to be launched with Republic Holdings and JetBlue. Phase one will collect aircraft operating data and download through ACARs. Phase two will expand aircraft monitoring to include the remaining life of components and structural integrity (which is scheduled "a few years down the road)," according to Frederic Fleury Curado, executive vice president-airline market, who spoke at the Regional Airline Association meeting in Dallas last week. He indicated that it uses the slow ACARs but is exploring more high-speed satellite- based technology.

AHeAD is one of several enhancements the manufacturer is working on that would bring the product to the standards of the mainline marketplace, he said. It has several follow- on certification issues with which its engineering department is dealing, including ETOPs and CAT III for the EMB ERJ 175 and ERJ 195 as well as certification for operations at London City Airport for both the 170 and 190 as well. While not being driven by customer demand, the London City certification for at least the 170 is expected by year end. He did not see the ERJ 175 as a candidate for London City because its weight would limit its range. This work will preclude efforts to design new aircraft, especially at the 50-seat level. Curado indicated that a scratch 50-seater would provide 10-15 percent more efficiency but that, in itself, is not a compelling reason to initiate a demand for a new product. He also pointed to scope clauses a limiting factor.