WEG and EDP Collab On The Project

Embraer has begun the flight test campaign for an electric demonstrator aircraft at its facility in Brazil. Embraer is conducting this new stage in development alongside electric mobility solutions providers, WEG and EDP.

Computational simulations, lab tests and ground integration of technology have all been taking place since the second half of 2019, with the goal to demonstrate real flight conditions. Power, performance, control, thermal management, and operation safety were the features assessed in these manned first flights.
 
“The first flight of an aircraft is always an important milestone, and the takeoff of our first zero-emission electric aircraft also represents the relevant contribution of our teams and partners to the energy transition of the sector,” said Luis Carlos Affonso, Vice President of Engineering, Technology Development and Corporate Strategy of Embraer. “We are committed to seeking solutions to enable the future of a more sustainable aviation and innovation will play a key role in this journey.”
 
Embraer’s permanent technological development program has allowed efficiency gains in aircraft performance, and brought down greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a net zero-carbon emissions future is the goal of the company's research into aeronautical electrification.
 
This project marks another successful step in the scientific and technological cooperation between Embraer, WEG and EDP. Certified in 2004 as the world’s first aircraft to fly on fuel from a renewable source, the EMB-203 Ipanema included an electric powertrain system from WEG and a set of batteries funded by EDP.
 
The information obtained from the electric demonstrator aircraft test series may empower Embraer to continue it’s innovation with new products that will help maintain the company's goals for a sustainable future.

FMI: http://embraer.com