In 1965, a commercial flight made history by being the first to land automatically at London Heathrow Airport, marking a milestone in aviation technology. Nearly 60 years later, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is set to introduce a similarly transformative technology — but for takeoffs. Embraer’s new “E2 Enhanced Take Off System,” designed for its E2 aircraft family, is poised to revolutionize how commercial planes leave the ground, enhancing safety, range, and efficiency.
This innovation is a testament to Embraer’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation, and it positions the company at the forefront of technological advancement in a competitive industry.
Automating Takeoff: The Future of Aviation?
Most commercial aircraft today come equipped with automatic landing systems, allowing planes to safely land in poor visibility and difficult weather. However, takeoff, one of the most critical phases of flight, has always relied heavily on pilot skill and judgment. Now, Embraer aims to change that with its new automated takeoff system.
The E2 Enhanced Take Off System promises to optimize takeoff procedures, reduce pilot workload, and increase operational efficiency. Patrice London, principal performance engineer at Embraer, who has spent over a decade working on the project, explains that the system outperforms human pilots in terms of consistency and precision. “If you do 1,000 takeoffs, you will get 1,000 of exactly the same takeoff,” London says. This predictability enhances safety and allows for a higher degree of optimization in the takeoff process.
A New Era for Embraer’s E2 Jets
Embraer has already started flight testing its new system, aiming for approval by aviation authorities in 2025. The E2 Enhanced Take Off System will debut on Embraer’s E2 family of jets, which includes the E-190-E2 and the larger E-195-E2. These jets, seating up to 140 passengers, are in direct competition with the Airbus A220 and are already popular with airlines such as Canada’s Porter Airlines, Brazil’s Azul, and The Netherland’s KLM Cityhopper.
Embraer’s E-Jet family, introduced in 2004, has been a resounding success, with nearly 1,700 deliveries to date. The E2 series, launched in 2018 with upgraded engines, wings, and avionics, continues to build on this success. The automated takeoff system will give these aircraft an even greater competitive edge by allowing them to take off more efficiently, carry more passengers, or travel further.
How the Automated Takeoff System Works
The automated takeoff system works by automating the “rotation” phase of takeoff — the point at which the pilot pulls back on the controls to lift the plane's nose and initiate the ascent. Unlike manual takeoffs, where the pilot must judge the optimal moment to rotate, the E2 system takes over, ensuring the precise execution of each takeoff. Pilots remain at the controls, but the system automatically lifts the plane’s nose, reducing the risk of pilot error.
Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer’s senior vice president of engineering and technological development, emphasizes that the system enhances safety by removing the variability of human performance during takeoffs. “It’s amazing how you get a workload reduction, especially during a failure,” Affonso notes, referring to how the system can handle emergencies, such as engine failures, with ease. By reducing pilot workload, especially in critical situations, the system makes the overall flight operation safer.
Crucially, the system also optimizes takeoff performance. It allows planes to take off using less runway and at a steeper angle, without the risk of a tail strike (when the plane’s tail touches the ground during takeoff). This optimization increases the maximum takeoff weight, which translates into more passengers, additional cargo, or extended range — up to 350 nautical miles, according to Embraer.
A Competitive Edge for Embraer
With the introduction of the E2 Enhanced Take Off System, Embraer is capitalizing on its growing market share in the regional jet sector. The company has been gaining ground on Boeing, whose recent troubles have opened the door for competitors. Embraer has positioned itself as a leader in commercial jets seating up to 150 passengers, delivering technologically advanced aircraft that appeal to airlines around the world.
In 2023, American Airlines announced plans to convert its entire regional fleet to Embraer aircraft, placing an order for 90 E175 planes, further cementing Embraer’s place in the U.S. market. The E2 Enhanced Take Off System could give Embraer an additional advantage, particularly for airlines looking to optimize performance on regional routes.
Initially, the automated takeoff system will be rolled out at three airports: London City in England, Florence in Italy, and Santos Dumont in Brazil. These airports are known for their challenging takeoff conditions, making them ideal testing grounds for the new technology. However, Embraer has already received interest from other airports, and the system’s adoption is expected to grow.
What the Future Holds
While the E2 Enhanced Take Off System is a significant step forward in aviation technology, it does not mark the beginning of fully autonomous commercial flights. Affonso is quick to clarify that the system is “far from autonomous,” with pilots still playing a critical role in the event of a system failure.
Gary Crichlow, an aviation analyst at Aviation News Limited, agrees that while the system is impressive, its real-world impact remains to be seen. “In principle, allowing the system to select and perform the optimal takeoff profile automatically seems like an extension of what has become standard practice in other parts of the flight envelope,” Crichlow says. However, he cautions that the true test will come when the system is widely deployed and evaluated in everyday operations.
Embraer’s E2 Enhanced Take Off System represents a leap forward in aviation technology, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and performance for regional jets. While the system’s long-term impact is still uncertain, its potential to optimize takeoff procedures and reduce pilot workload could make it a game-changer for the industry. As Embraer continues to grow its market share and push technological boundaries, the E2 Enhanced Take Off System may well be the future of commercial aviation, offering a glimpse into a safer, more efficient era of flight.
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