Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is on track to grant an unprecedented certification to aircraft manufacturer Embraer as early as September or October, paving the way for the world’s first commercially approved automatic takeoff system, agency president Tiago Chagas Faierstein said Tuesday.
The technology, dubbed the Embraer Enhanced Take-Off System (E2TS), is designed for Embraer’s E2 family of commercial jets. If certified as scheduled, Brazil would become the first country to officially authorize a system that automates one of the most fuel-intensive phases of flight — a milestone that could reshape standards for commercial aviation automation worldwide.
“This is a technology that was born here and can go to the world. Embraer was the first to develop this technology, it will be the first to obtain certification, and ANAC will be the first certifying authority in the world,” Faierstein told Reuters.
How the E2TS Works
The E2TS automates the entire takeoff maneuver, calculating and adjusting parameters such as pitch angle and climb profile in real time based on current flight conditions, runway data, and meteorological factors. By optimizing these variables, the system not only removes manual pilot input from the takeoff phase but also promises to reduce fuel burn and operating costs for airlines — a significant advantage given that takeoff is among the most fuel-intensive segments of a flight.
The innovation marks a notable leap in cockpit automation. While modern airliners already rely on autopilot systems for cruise and landing phases, takeoff has remained a pilot-handled maneuver in commercial operations to date.
Global Recognition in Sight
ANAC is already coordinating with certification authorities in the United States and Europe to facilitate international recognition of the E2TS. According to Faierstein, Brazil’s certification could serve as a template for other markets, given that Brazil, the United States, Canada, and France are all members of the Certification Management Team (CMT) — an international body focused on harmonizing aeronautical certification standards.
The certification process is currently in its final stage. Once completed, Embraer’s new E2 aircraft equipped with E2TS will be cleared for commercial use of the system, pending any additional approvals required by foreign regulators.
Industry observers say the move positions Embraer — already a leading manufacturer of regional jets — at the forefront of aviation automation, potentially giving the Brazilian company a competitive edge as airlines seek more efficient and sustainable operations.
“This is a landmark moment for Brazilian aerospace,” Faierstein added. “We expect the certification to be replicated internationally, and we’re working proactively with our counterparts abroad to make that happen.”
Commercial deployment of the E2TS will still depend on final certification and subsequent airline adoption. But with the regulatory finish line in sight, Embraer’s automatic takeoff system is set to become the latest Brazilian innovation with global reach.
Source: Olhar Digital
