Boeing and Embraer S.A. unveil next phase of ecoDemonstrator programme

Boeing and Embraer S.A. have unveiled the next phase of the Boeing ecoDemonstrator programme. The programme expands Boeing and Embraer's cooperation agreement and will test technologies to improve airplane environmental performance and accelerate their introduction into the marketplace.

An Embraer E170 will serve as the flying testbed and will feature advanced environmental technologies that will undergo operational testing in Brazil during August and September.

"Collaborating with Boeing on the ecoDemonstrator programme in the structuring and implementation of new technologies tests reinforces, once again, Embraer's commitment towards a sustainable future," said Mauro Kern, Executive Vice President of Operations at Embraer. "At the same time, as we integrate and test different technologies in a single aircraft, we contribute to consolidate in Brazil a powerful tool to support technological development and innovation – the technology demonstrator platform."

"As industry leaders, we have a unique opportunity to invest in technologies that encourage our industry's long term, sustainable development, while supporting our customers' environmental goals," said Boeing Chief Technology Officer John Tracy.

The ecoDemonstrator flights will test several technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions, fuel use and noise including:

• LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology using lasers to measure air data parameters such as true airspeed, angle of attack and outside air temperature. LIDAR shows potential to increase air data reliability by complementing current sensors, which could lead to further innovations that improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
• An ‘ice phobic’ paint designed to reduce icing and help prevent accumulation of dirt and bugs due to its low adhesive property. The special paint can help operators save water by reducing the need for frequent aircraft washing.
• A new wing design with improved slats to reduce noise on takeoff and approach.
• Special sensors and air visualisation techniques near the wing surface to better understand in-flight aerodynamics. This analysis could lead to further innovations to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, such as new wing designs.
• A Brazilian-produced biofuel blend made up of 10% bio-kerosene and 90% fossil kerosene, the maximum mixture according to international standards. Studies have shown that sustainably produced aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80% lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle than fossil jet fuel.

The ecoDemonstrator tests illustrate Boeing and Embraer's continued investments to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance of aircraft and meet the new carbon emissions standard announced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) earlier this year.

The ecoDemonstrator collaboration expands a relationship that began in 2012 when Boeing and Embraer signed a cooperation agreement to benefit their customers, their companies and the global aviation industry. Since then, Boeing and Embraer have supported Embraer's KC-390 defence aircraft programme and improved runway safety by providing commercial customers with tools to reduce runway excursions. Last year Boeing and Embraer opened a joint biofuel research centre in São José dos Campos to perform biofuel research and coordinate research with Brazilian universities and other institutions.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/clean-fuels/08072016/boeing-and-embraer-sa-unveil-next-phase-of-ecodemonstrator-programme-3666/