EmbraerX, the OEM’s ‘disruptive’ subsidiary, unveiled an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) concept at the Uber Elevate Summit 2019 in Washington DC. The concept is intended to help make urban aerial ride-sharing a reality for everyone. It is designed to be accessible to all, with user experience and peace of mind key considerations.
The Uber Elevate Summit 2019 brought together various stakeholders focussed on urban aerial ride-sharing – including government officials, investors, manufacturers and policymakers. The EmbraerX concept is the result of collaboration.
“As a market accelerator committed to developing solutions to transform life’s experiences, we have been combining human-centered design thinking with our 50-year history of building and engineering expertise in a unique manner,” said Antonio Campello, president and CEO, EmbraerX. “These are the factors behind the technical progress and leading-edge innovations we are bringing to this new eVTOL concept.”
The concept results from a broad range of tests and simulations, aiming at operational optimisation for the urban environment, considering high reliability, low operating costs, a lower noise footprint, fully electric power and progressively autonomous operation.
“Embraer’s team focused on the customer experience with their latest vehicle concept, using built-in redundant systems to achieve optimal safety, while also achieving low noise output with an eight rotor system, which enables span-wise lift,” said Mark Moore, engineering director of aviation, Uber. “Our team looks forward to continued collaboration with the Embraer team to achieve a quiet, green and safe aerial ride-sharing vehicle.”
EmbraerX is also engaged in a variety of tailored solutions for the supporting ecosystem, including a new business platform, named Beacon, designed to foster collaboration and synchronise aviation service companies and professionals in a streamlined and more agile way, to keep aircraft flying. Additionally, in partnership with dozens of air traffic controllers, academics, pilots and industry experts, EmbraerX has proposed an urban airspace design to allow more aircraft to fly.
