The Embraer ERJ-145 is a twin-engine regional jet and the largest model in Embraer's ERJ family, which also includes the smaller ERJ-135 and ERJ-140. It was a major success for Embraer, helping establish the company as a global leader in regional aviation in the 1990s and 2000s.

🛩️ Overview:

• Role: Regional jet airliner
• Manufacturer: Embraer (Brazil)
• First flight: August 11, 1995
• Entered service: 1996 (with Continental Express / ExpressJet)
• Production ended: 2020 (after ~1,200+ built across the ERJ family)
• Family: ERJ-135 / ERJ-140 / ERJ-145

🛠️ Key Specifications (ERJ-145LR):

• Engines: 2 × Rolls-Royce AE 3007A1 turbofan engines
• Thrust: ~7,426 lbf (33.0 kN) each
• Length: 29.87 m (98 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 20.04 m (65 ft 9 in)
• Height: 6.75 m (22 ft 2 in)
• Cruise speed: Mach 0.78 (up to 518 mph / 833 km/h)
• Range: Standard (ERJ-145): ~1,550 nmi (2,870 km) Extended-range (LR): ~1,900 nmi (3,700 km)
  • Standard (ERJ-145): ~1,550 nmi (2,870 km)
  • Extended-range (LR): ~1,900 nmi (3,700 km)
• Service ceiling: 37,000 ft (11,300 m)
• Seating capacity: 50 passengers (single class, 1–2 layout)
• Crew: 2 pilots + 1–2 flight attendants

✨ Features:

• 1–2 seating layout (no middle seats = fast boarding and deplaning)
• High cruising speed for a regional jet
• Good range and field performance, ideal for underserved airports
• Designed to be simple, robust, and reliable, especially for high-frequency routes
• No fly-by-wire — uses conventional controls

🧳 Major Operators (current and former):

• Envoy Air (American Eagle)
• CommutAir (United Express)
• Piedmont Airlines (for American Airlines)
• Loganair (UK)
• Airlink (South Africa)
• BMI Regional, ExpressJet, and others
• Used by military/government for transport and surveillance (e.g., R-99/AWACS, Indian Air Force, Brazilian Air Force)

🔁 Variants:

• ERJ-145ER: Early standard-range model
• ERJ-145LR: Long Range version
• ERJ-145XR: Extra-Long Range (2,000+ nmi), winglets and upgraded engines
• Legacy 600: Business jet version
• R-99 & EMB 145 AEW&C: Military AWACS/surveillance variants

🔥 Fun Facts:

• The ERJ-145 was developed from a stretched turboprop design (EMB 120 Brasilia) but fully reengineered as a jet
• Known for outstanding dispatch reliability and fast turnaround times
• Used extensively in the U.S. regional market, especially under "scope clause" limitations
• Some airlines are retiring them, but many still fly in secondary markets and charter ops

🏁 Summary:

The Embraer ERJ-145 is a rugged and reliable regional jet that helped change the face of short-haul flying in the 1990s and 2000s. Though it's gradually being phased out in favor of newer aircraft like the E-Jet series and the CRJ-700/900, it remains in widespread use thanks to its performance, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.