Embraer unveils electric propulsion demonstrator aircraft

On the eve of its 50th anniversary, Embraer unveiled a demonstrator aircraft under development with 100% electric propulsion. The prototype has a special paint scheme and is ready to receive systems and components. The small single-engine aircraft, based on the EMB-203 Ipanema, will be used as test bed, carrying out the initial evaluation of the electrification technology.

The aircraft's electric motor and controller are being manufactured by WEG at the company's headquarters in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil, as part of the scientific and technological cooperation agreement for jointly development of electrification technologies.

Advances on the project include the partnership with Parker Aerospace that will supply the aircraft’s cooling system.

On the forthcoming months, the companies' technical teams will continue to test the systems in the labs preparing integration in the demonstrator aircraft for testing real-world operating conditions. The first flight of the prototype is scheduled for 2020.

The cooperation between Embraer and WEG announced in May 2019 is an instrument for experimentation and maturation of the technologies before they are applied in future products.

The partnership seeks to accelerate knowledge of the technologies necessary to increase aircraft energy efficiency using electric motors in propulsion systems.

The electrification process is part of a series of efforts carried out by Embraer and the aeronautical industry aimed at ensuring the commitment with the environmental sustainability, as already done with biofuels to reduce carbon emissions.

By establishing strategic partnerships through more agile cooperation mechanisms, Embraer is stimulating knowledge networks to allow a significant increase in Brazil’s competitiveness and the construction of a sustainable future.