New Electric, Hydrogen Cell, Dual Fuel Turbine, and Hybrid Aircraft Ready From 2030-2040

Embraer announced its new family of sustainable concept aircraft as it seeks to prepare for industry, world, and company goals of decreasing carbon emissions.

The move will help set the stage for Embraer’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To support the range of new aircraft, the company has partnered with a number of engineering universities, aeronautical research institutes, and other enterprises to incorporate and develop new technologies. The outside help will be vital for their understanding of energy harvesting, storage, thermal management, and integration with aircraft propulsion systems. 

The new family of aircraft will be branded under the Energia name, with each aircraft containing a different propulsion system, fuel type, and readiness date. The four aircraft incorporate the same popular technology as other sustainable, green, and futuristic aircraft, in an apparent bid to hedge their bets for each market. With each type of green tech in their portfolio, Embraer will have a better chance of gaining market share in each region, depending on the prevailing tech selected. Airports with hydrogen fuel cell support, or sustainable fuel will not be ubiquitous for some time, as the advanced tech will roll out over the years, possibly in a retread of past format wars.

The four aircraft, in order of impending readiness, are: 

The first, ready by 2030, is the Energia Hybrid E9-HE, a 9-seater aircraft with hybrid electric propulsion, rear-mounted engines, and a 90% CO2 emissions reduction. The second, ready by 2035, is its battery powered sibling, the Energia Electric E9-FE. The 9-seat FE will emit zero CO2 emissions and be driven by aft contra-rotating propellers. Around the same time, in 2035, the H2 Fuel Cell Energia is expected. The E19-H2FC will have 19 seats, with rear-mounted engines, zero carbon emissions, and hydrogen electric power. Finally, the H2 Gas Turbine Energia, a combination hydrogen or JetA/SAF turbine aircraft, will be ready in 2040, with seating for 35-50 passengers. 

Development, engineering, and evaluation are ongoing, with an eye for commercial viability in the quickly-developing sustainable aviation market. Embraer has made headway on other similar projects, completing the testing of drop-in sustainable fuel made from sugarcane and camelina plants in its E-Jets. If all goes well, they plan to have all Embraer aircraft fully SAF-compatible within the next decade. They have had success with their EMB-203 Ipanema, an all-electric demonstrator, as well as a hydrogen fuel cell aircraft planned for 2025. Embraer has eyes on the advanced air mobility market, as well, with their eVTOL planned to enter service in 2026. 

FMI: www.embraercommercialaviation.com