Aviation
Commercial /
Brazil
Future Details
Embraer's new hydrogen-powered turboprop has more details released
New Embraer plane
Image: Embraer
Rafael Ramos
8/15/2021
Embraer is leading many innovative ideas for the future. In its most recent announcement, on August 13th, it brought details about its new regional turboprop focused on replacing the previous generation models, but with greater speed and range. The plane has tail-mounted engines in a way reminiscent of the ERJ 145.
The turboprop aircraft from Embraer's ERJ, Bombardier's CRJ and ATR family, among others, are widely used on regional routes, so the new aircraft aims to replace these in a more efficient way.
"Passengers find [previous-generation turboprops] cramped, under-spaced and noisy. The tail-mounted engines will provide a quiet cabin and jet-powered performance," said Luis Carlos Affonso, vice president of engineering, Embraer's technology and corporate strategy, in an interview with Aero Magazine.
But perhaps the most interesting new feature of the plane is that it can be refueled with hydrogen. Tail-mounting engines is related to the ability to use this cleaner fuel. The use of liquid hydrogen requires differentiated positioning of the engines, so fitting them to the tail will help with this. One of the explanations is that the tail engines provide a different fuel tank design.
"Tail mounted engines reduce cabin noise for an enhanced passenger experience and facilitate the future addition of hydrogen fuel tanks," said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
These characteristics, together with aerodynamics, which will be favored with the rear engines, especially in the wings, will make the turboprop with a capacity for 50 to 90 passengers have greater efficiency and cost per passenger up to 15% lower, in addition to complying with travel faster, up to 80% of the time of today's turboprops.
The growth of the regional aviation sector encourages Embraer, so this project is a major bet for the company in the future. However, the manufacturer has not released a date for the launch of the plane, as well as not confirming whether the images available are only conceptual or final.
Bombardier Dash 8 used as a regional plane by SpiceJet
Aldo Bidini, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons
New Embraer plane with rear mounted engine
Image: Embraer
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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