Embraer has revealed its all-electric demonstrator aircraft and said it plans to fly it for the first time next year 2020.
The single-engined aircraft is based on the EMB-203 Ipanema and will be used as test bed to evaluate electrification technology by the Brazilian aircraft-manufacturer
Development of the prototype started in May this year. Systems and components for the aircraft are being tested in partner companies laboratories over the coming months, before the flight test program starts.
The aircraft’s electric motor and controller are being developed by electrical engineering company WEG at the company’s headquarters in Brazil, as part of an R&D cooperation agreement between the two companies.
Embraer is also partnering with with Parker Aerospace on the project. The company will supply the cooling system for the demonstrator aircraft.