Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
A B737 was cleared for takeoff from Runway 23L and assigned runway heading. ATC immediately cleared us to line up and wait for Runway 23L. I noticed that the Captain was taxiing into position on the runway more quickly than usual given the circumstances. I reminded him that I don't have good luck with wake turbulence referring to the past when we hit severe wake turbulence a few days back while I was flying. We were then cleared for takeoff from Tower with runway heading assigned right behind this B737.As we started to roll down the runway ATC transmitted 'traffic two miles out.' We continued with the takeoff and upon liftoff I was limited to how high I could pitch the attitude up without the pitch limit indicator activating due to our weight. At about 500-600 FT and again at 1;200 FT in our turn we encountered moderate to severe wake turbulence; which caused a temporary loss of positive control of the aircraft each time. We were switched to departure by the Tower Controller and the Captain reported the wake turbulence event to the Departure Controller.Cause: ATC clearing our aircraft for takeoff right behind a B737. ATC trying to rush our departure between the landing of one aircraft and the departure of a B737. We didn't vocalize our concern to ATC that we weren't comfortable taking off right behind a B737 particularly when our departure heading was the same as the B737. The undesired aircraft state was the moderate to severe turbulence/rolling moment induced from the wake of the B737 relatively close to the ground or at any altitude for that matter. The policy of minimizing the effect of wake turbulence by a B737 or A320 for that matter in separating aircraft during takeoff or landing when some of the worst wake turbulence I've ever encountered has been while flying behind a B737.Suggestions: I wish that there was a way to communicate our concern to ATC that we don't want to takeoff right behind a B737 or A320 when we aren't comfortable doing so without fearing catching an attitude from the Controller or being excoriated in some way for requesting a delay. The controllers are sitting in the Tower. We're risking our lives in an airplane. It makes my job really stressful climbing after takeoff anticipating the hit from the wake turbulence of an aircraft that ATC and the FAA has deemed a non-threat. Just because we don't crash when we hit the wake doesn't make it safe.
EMB-145XR First Officer reported encountering moderate to severe wake vortex departing RDU in trail of a B737 that resulted in momentary loss of control.