The Argentine Air Force (FAA) has announced plans to acquire two Embraer ERJ aircraft, powered by AE 3007 turbofan engines. Through the 40/03-0013-LPU23 process, the FAA has formally initiated the purchase of two Embraer 140/145 aircraft.
The force has provided detailed technical specifications and conditions for the delivery of the aircraft: the aircraft and all related equipment must have certification from the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This requirement ensures that the aircraft meet the most stringent international standards for aircraft and equipment.
The aircraft must be delivered with the fuselage, engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), accessories, and cabin equipment. Additionally, the seller must possess the flight logs, maintenance records, Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), latest weight and balance record sheet, wiring diagrams, approved Layout of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA), and any other records and manuals related to their operation and/or maintenance at the time of delivery.
LPE67388568-ANEXO IIThe FAA specified that the aircraft must have a passenger configuration of 44 seats for the ERJ-140 and 50 seats for the ERJ-145. The document details that the aircraft should include a galley, lavatory, forward position for a cabin crew member, potable water system, and waste disposal.
No additional avionics equipment or capability is requested, but the document highlights that the aircraft’s ability to operate under ILS CAT II and III will be valued.
The current maintenance program of the aircraft must fully comply with the Structural Repair Manual Damage Report (SMRD), Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Airworthiness Directives (AD), Service Bulletins (SB), and supplier manuals. The same requirement applies to the engines and APU with respect to the manufacturer’s manuals.
The FAA has also emphasized that the aircraft must be delivered without any deferred or unresolved issues, including those permitted by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). The communication and navigation equipment, as well as any aircraft system and operational capability, must ensure airworthiness according to FAA or EASA standards.
The Flight Management System (FMS) equipment software should not have any anticipated limitations or restrictions in its update or manufacturer technical support within twelve months following the aircraft delivery.
It is also requested that the limited-life components of the engines and APU have a remaining life of at least 1,800 hours before the next required replacement.
Regarding painting, the bidding terms state that the aircraft may be delivered painted with the two-tone gray scheme used by the FAA for its transport aircraft, provided that the price is acceptable to the FAA.
The removal of the previous paintwork must be done through stripping. Although the technical document mentions the name «Islas Malvinas», it is added only as a reference, as the name and registration of each aircraft will be designated and communicated to the entity responsible for the painting work.
