Quantcast

Embraer's ambitious CBA 123 Vector project canceled due to rising costs

Embraer's ambitious CBA 123 Vector project canceled due to rising costs
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The CBA 123 Vector was a collaborative aircraft project between Embraer of Brazil and FMA of Argentina, aimed at creating a 19-seat turboprop for regional flights. Despite having secured 130 orders, the project was canceled in 1991 due to escalating costs.

The joint venture began with an agreement signed by Presidents José Sarney of Brazil and Raul Alfonsín of Argentina in 1986. The project's name, CBA, stood for "Cooperación / Cooperação Brasil-Argentina," reflecting the cooperation between the two countries. The design featured innovative elements such as twin rearward-facing counter-rotating 'pusher' props intended to reduce cabin noise and vibration while allowing a smaller wing design.

Two prototypes were completed, with the first flight occurring in July 1990. However, rising development costs made it difficult to market the aircraft competitively. By 1990, projected costs had increased from USD $3 million to around USD $5 million per unit.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite initial strong interest and orders, several factors led to the project's cancellation. No solution was found for cost overruns, suppliers demanded higher prices and advance payments, and political instability in Brazil resulted in reduced government funding. Additionally, strong competition from other aircraft like the Embraer ERJ-145 made it challenging for the CBA 123 Vector to enter the market.

Though no production units were built or delivered, some aspects of its design contributed to Embraer's later success with the ERJ 145 series. Today, three prototypes are preserved: one at Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro in São José dos Campos, another at Museu Aerospatiale in Rio de Janeiro, and a third at National University of Córdoba in Argentina.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

On Tuesday, June 24, a United Airlines Boeing 767-300 operating flight UA12 from Zurich to Chicago O'Hare International Airport rejected takeoff at high speed on Zurich International Airport's runway 16.

Jun 28, 2025

The recent crash of Air India Flight 171 has brought attention to the role of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) in aviation safety.

Jun 28, 2025

The B-2 Spirit Bomber, a pivotal component of the United States Air Force's strategic capabilities, continues to stand as a significant achievement in aviation technology.

Jun 28, 2025

PSA Airlines is relocating its headquarters from Dayton, Ohio, to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jun 28, 2025

Air Advisor has released its list of the top 10 budget airlines in the United States, ranked by revenue per seat mile.

Jun 28, 2025

Air Transat has launched two new European routes, connecting Toronto to Berlin and Montreal to Valencia.

Jun 28, 2025