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A groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology is on the horizon as Brazil’s Embraer embarks on flight testing for its pioneering automatic takeoff system, the “E2 Enhanced Take Off System.” This innovative system aims to enhance safety and efficiency during takeoffs, a phase of flight that has remained largely the same despite significant improvements in landing technology.
At present, the majority of commercial aircraft are capable of automatic landing that provides safety during challenging weather and low visibility. However, the takeoff process has remained mostly manual, with pilots navigating the complexities the process. Embraer’s new system promises to change this by reducing pilot workload and increasing safety margins, thereby allowing for greater operational efficiency.
According to the company, the E2 Enhanced Take Off System consistently outperforms human pilots. With automated takeoffs, the system ensures uniform performance across multiple flights, resulting in predictable, precise and reliable outcomes.
The automation technology not only simplifies the takeoff process but also enables safer, steeper departures. By minimizing the risk of tail strikes—a dangerous occurrence where the aircraft’s tail may contact the runway—this system enhances operational safety. Luís Carlos Affonso, senior vice president of engineering and technological development at Embraer, emphasizes that this precision allows pilots to operate closer to optimal conditions during initial rotation, thus reducing error margins.
With the capability to increase takeoff weight, the E2 system allows for either more passengers or extended range—up to 350 nautical miles—opening up new possibilities that were previously out of reach. This innovation is particularly relevant as Embraer has capitalized on recent challenges faced by Boeing, emerging as a leading manufacturer of commercial jets with capacities of up to 150 seats.
As Embraer moves forward with its flight testing and aims to secure approval from aviation authorities by 2025, the new system is set to be introduced at select airports, including London City, Florence, and Santos Dumont. American Airlines has already placed an order for 90 E175 regional jets, demonstrating confidence in Embraer’s expanding portfolio.
With the introduction of the E2 Enhanced Take Off System, Embraer is not only redefining safety standards but also positioning itself as a transformative force in the aviation industry, setting the stage for a new era of automated takeoff procedures.
