Embraer is eying a possible electric propulsion trainer aircraft through a technology demonstrator it is developing with Brazilian electrical machine manufacturer WEG.
Embraer announced to reporters on 29 May that the two companies signed a scientific and technological co-operation agreement to jointly develop new products and solutions to enable electric propulsion in aircraft. The partnership, in the context of pre-competitive research and development (R&D), seeks to accelerate the knowledge of the technologies necessary to increase the energy efficiency of aircraft from the use and integration of electric motors in innovative propulsion systems, according to an Embraer statement.
Embraer and WEG are teaming to develop an electric propulsion testbed using Embraer's Ipanema agricultural sprayer. (Embraer)
After testing these technologies in the laboratory, the two companies will use Embraer’s EMB-203 Ipanema agricultural sprayer as a testbed to carry out the primary evaluation of the electrification technology. The Ipanema technology demonstrator’s first flight is scheduled for early 2020 or perhaps earlier, according to Embraer executive vice-president of Engineering and Technology, Daniel Moczydlower.
Moczydlower told reporters the team will not only replace the Ipanema’s engine with an electric motor, but will also replace the powertrain and power controls, which will all be provided by WEG. The team chose the Ipanema, he said, because it would be less capital intensive and is already designed to carry significant weight via its use of chemicals for cropdusting. The team will replace this chemical weight with battery weight.
“Our most exciting dream was to fly this demonstrator this year to celebrate our 50th anniversary of Embraer,” Moczydlower said. “But, for sure, the timeline for the first flight is not that far in the future.”
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