Boeing and Embraer unveiled the next phase of the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program with the presentation of an Embraer E170. The airplane 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 program in the structuring and implementation of new technologies tests reinforces, once again, Embraer’s commitment towards a sustainable future,” said Mauro Kern, Executive VP of Operations at Embraer.
Boeing Chief Technology Officer John Tracy added: “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.”
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.
• 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 visualization techniques near the wing surface to better understand in-flight aerodynamics.
• A Brazilian-produced biofuel blend made up of 10% bio-kerosene and 90% fossil kerosene, the maximum mixture according to international standards.
Since 2012, when Boeing and Embraer signed a cooperation agreement, the two companies have supported Embraer’s KC-390 defense aircraft program and improved runway safety. Last year Boeing and Embraer opened a joint biofuel research center in São José dos Campos to perform biofuel research and coordinate research with Brazilian universities and other institutions. To date, the ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 50 technologies, using a Next-Generation 737-800 (2012), 787 (2014) and 757 (2015) as flying testbeds.
News & Image Sources: Internet.