EMBRAER CBA-123 Vector

The 19-seat CBA-123 (Co-operation Brazil Argentina) Vector is the outcome of the 1986 collaboration agreement between Embraer and FMA. Support for the programme has been pledged by the Brazilian and Argentine governments, and paid options have been taken on 150 aircraft. The Vector carries two 2,081 shp (1 552 kW) Garrett TPF351-20 turboprops. Two flying prototypes will be built in Brazil and a third in Argentina, for certification in 1991.

The first prototype of the CB-123 made its first flight on 18 July 1990 from Embraer’s airfield in Sao Paulo, Brasil. The aircraft, prototype 801, registered PT-ZVE, flew for one hour 20 minutes in a flight devoted to evaluation of performance, handling and systems operation. Flaps and landing gears were cycled and the aircraft was assessed as to longitudinal stability.

The prototype weighed 18,300 lb on take-off and attained maximum and minimum speeds during the flight of 180 knots IAS and 105 knots IAS respectively. Maximum altitude reached was 20,000 ft.

Engines: 2 x Garrett TPF351-20 turboprops, 2,081 shp (1 552 kW)