• TECH-SHARK_EXTERIOR_004
    Embraer
    Stock Code:
    ERJ
    Date Founded:
    1969-08-19
    CEO:
    Francisco Gomes Neto
    Headquarters Location:
    Sao Paulo, Brazil
    Key Product Lines:
    Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Embraer 190, Embraer 195, Embraer 175-E2, Embraer 190-E2, Embraer 195-E2
    Business Type:
    Planemaker

Whether by design or desire, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer is slowly but surely building interest in its new generation turboprop passenger aircraft. The latest teaser is Embraer's video presentation, which has now surfaced on YouTube.

The world is demanding much more from commercial aviation than ever. Not long ago, it was all about designing bigger aircraft, building huge airports and funneling traffic through mega hubs, whether in Dubai, Singapore, London or Atlanta. Today, pressure is coming from all sides for aviation to clean up its act, with some European governments even banning short-haul flights if a train is available. For Embraer, that challenge can, in part, be answered by developing a new generation turboprop (TPNG), although it is hard to see the name turboprop ever being attached to this aircraft.

In its 2022 Market Outlook, Embraer forecasts the need for 10,950 new aircraft with up to 150-seats over the next 20 years. The replacement of aging aircraft will account for 57% of all new deliveries, while 43% will be used to grow markets. Embraer believes there will be a trend toward smaller aircraft, driven by an increasing need for flexibility, connectivity and efficiency. The push for more sustainability will accelerate the transition to decarbonization, which will be achieved through new generation aircraft, propulsion systems and fuel sources. Of the demand for nearly 11,000 new aircraft, Embraer says 2,280, or 21%, will be turboprops.

A turboprop but not as we know it

Embraer New Generation Turboprop
Photo: Embraer

At its 2022 Media Day event, Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer said the new aircraft "is not a turboprop as we know it." From what Simple Flying learned and saw at that event, the new aircraft is more of an E-Jet E-2 aircraft with a different form of propulsion rather than an improved turboprop. The TPNG will have the same cabin experience as on the E2, and moving the engines to the rear will mean a much quieter cabin. It will come in two versions; a 50 and 90-seat version that Meijer said will bring "disruptive economics" to the turboprop sector. For example, he said the TP90 will have up to 15% lower operating costs, 25% more seats, reduced fuel burn and be 20% faster than existing turboprops.

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Without much fanfare, Embraer is currently working with several engine manufacturers to find the most effective powerplant for the TPNG. As with almost all aspects of the project, Embraer keeps specifics to itself but said it should make the engine decision this year. It completed wind-tunnel testing of prototype propellor systems in March and will run complete wind-tunnel testing this year. Concurrently the business case is being developed, along with discussions with various airlines in the search for a launch customer.

The overall plan is to have that preparatory work completed, and a decision made on launching the TPNG announced by early to mid-2023. If it decides to go ahead with the new aircraft, Embraer says it will begin the detailed design, manufacturing and certification work, with a likely entry into service in early 2028.

Will a new generation turboprop with a modern cabin be a success?

Source: Aviacionline.com