At the recent Farnborough Airshow, Embraer unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology: the Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System (E2TS). This world-first automated takeoff system represents a significant leap forward in how aircraft operate during one of the most critical phases of flight. With E2TS, pilots will no longer need to manually rotate the aircraft off the runway; instead, the E2 jets will do it themselves, transforming the dynamics of takeoff in commercial aviation.
The Mechanics of E2TS
The E2TS leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency and safety of takeoffs. Utilizing inputs from three flight control computers and four smart probes, the system automates the rotation of the aircraft during takeoff. As Embraer executives explained, once pilots engage the system before the takeoff roll, they maintain control of the aircraft using rudder pedals to stay centered on the runway.
As the aircraft accelerates through V1 to VR—the critical speeds during takeoff—the process changes dramatically. When it’s time to rotate, rather than pulling back on the yoke as usual, pilots will do nothing. The E2TS takes over, controlling the aircraft’s pitch to achieve optimal elevation while keeping the pilots’ hands firmly on the yoke, allowing for a seamless experience.
If the pilot does attempt to override the system, E2TS automatically disengages, returning control to the cockpit. This thoughtful design minimizes pilot workload and maximizes safety, addressing a long-standing challenge in aviation: the risk of tail strikes during takeoff.
Advantages for Airlines
The implications of the E2TS for the aviation industry are substantial. This automated system promises several key benefits:
1. Enhanced Payload Capacity: With the ability to take off using less thrust, airlines can either carry more passengers or cargo on the same routes or extend their range with existing payloads.
2. Shorter Runway Operations: By achieving mandatory ‘screen height’—the altitude required to safely clear obstacles—more quickly, E2 jets equipped with this system can operate from shorter runways, such as those at London City Airport.
3. Increased Safety and Efficiency: The E2TS is embedded within the proven fly-by-wire system, which boasts high levels of redundancy and reliability. By automating rotation, the risk of tail strikes is significantly reduced, contributing to overall safety during takeoff.
4. Reduced Pilot Workload: By relieving pilots from the manual task of rotating the aircraft, E2TS allows them to focus on monitoring the flight environment and ensuring safe operations.
One of the most exciting aspects of the E2TS is its adaptability. The system is not limited to Embraer’s E2 jets; it is a software update that can be retrofitted to any aircraft that uses fly-by-wire technology. Embraer has already secured patents for E2TS and anticipates certification from major aviation authorities, including the FAA and EASA, soon.
With test flights indicating performance that exceeds expectations, Embraer is poised to transform not only its own aircraft lineup but potentially the entire aviation industry. Airlines worldwide may soon seek to retrofit their fleets with this innovative system, opening up new operational possibilities and enhancing safety protocols. Embraer’s E2 Enhanced Takeoff System, introduced at the Farnborough Airshow, is a revolutionary step for the aviation industry. By automating the takeoff process, the E2TS offers airlines significant advantages in terms of payload capacity, runway flexibility, and safety—all while simplifying the pilot’s role during takeoff. As the industry evolves, technologies like E2TS will undoubtedly shape the future of air travel, making it more efficient
