Embraer/FMA CBA 123 Vector

The Embraer/FMA CBA 123 Vector was a joint Brazilian‑Argentine venture launched in the early 1990s to produce a high‑speed, 19‑seat regional jet that could rival turboprops on short‑haul routes. Development began in 1990 when Embraer partnered with the Argentine aircraft firm FMA and the French engine supplier Pratt & Whitney, selecting the PW120 turbofan. The prototype first flew on 24 August 1998, and certification was achieved in 2000. Only twenty‑four aircraft were delivered before production ceased in 2002 due to high operating costs and market competition.

Key features of the Vector included a sleek, low‑drag airframe with a 20‑degree swept wing, a 2‑plus‑2 cabin layout, and a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.78—significantly faster than contemporary turboprops. Its modern avionics suite and fly‑by‑wire‑style flight controls offered pilots enhanced handling and reduced pilot workload. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short runways while delivering jet‑like comfort made it attractive to regional carriers seeking to shorten travel times.

Although its commercial lifespan was brief, the CBA 123 demonstrated Embraer’s capacity to integrate advanced jet technology into the regional market, influencing later designs such as the ERJ‑145 family and cementing Embraer’s reputation as an innovative regional jet manufacturer.