Opinion How Embraer's Tech and Expertise Could Fast-Track India's RTA-90 Development

India's ambitious RTA-90 program, which aims to develop a domestically produced 90-seater regional aircraft, could be significantly accelerated and strengthened through a strategic partnership with Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer.

Experts believe that Embraer's proven track record, technological prowess, and deep understanding of the regional aviation market could be a game-changer for India's pursuit of self-reliance in the aviation sector.

The RTA-90 represents a critical step towards bolstering India's domestic aviation industry and reducing reliance on foreign aircraft. However, developing a modern regional jet is a complex undertaking that requires specialized expertise in design, manufacturing, and certification – areas where India's civil aviation sector is still evolving.

Embraer, renowned for its successful E-Jet family, has decades of experience in designing and manufacturing regional jets that are recognized for their aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. This wealth of knowledge could be instrumental in ensuring the RTA-90 meets global standards and competes effectively in the international market.

Here's how Embraer's technology and expertise could fast-track the RTA-90's development:

• Reduced Development Timelines: Embraer's involvement could significantly shorten development timelines by providing access to proven technologies, efficient design methodologies, and a deep understanding of certification processes. This could help avoid costly delays and ensure the RTA-90 remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
• Enhanced Design and Engineering: Embraer's expertise in aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort could be directly applied to the RTA-90's design, resulting in a superior aircraft that meets the needs of airlines and passengers.
• Improved Manufacturing Processes: Embraer could offer guidance on advanced manufacturing techniques, materials selection, and quality control, helping India establish a robust and efficient manufacturing ecosystem for the RTA-90.
• Streamlined Certification: Navigating the complex world of aircraft certification can be challenging. Embraer's experience in this domain could help ensure the RTA-90 meets all necessary regulatory requirements efficiently.
• Access to Global Supply Chains: Embraer could facilitate access to its established global supply chains, enabling India to source high-quality components and materials for the RTA-90.

While India has a strong foundation in military aviation, developing a commercial regional jet like the RTA-90 presents unique challenges. By partnering with Embraer, India can leverage the company's proven track record and technological expertise to accelerate the program's development, ensure its success, and establish India as a key player in the global regional aviation market.

 

[Varaaah]

Design should not be a problem. Just rip off an old plane and you have the design. The technology is the bigger problem. Engines etc.

 

[Kira]

Actually not a bad idea as Embraer has the experience and expertise and India desperately needs technology and knowledge for a growing civil aviation sector.

 

[MF]

In 2019, Embraer announced its intention to develop a new-generation turboprop aircraft (TPNG) with capacity for 70 and 90 passengers. The aircraft would use the fuselage of the E-Jet E175, with the difference of having straight wings in a low position and the engines installed at the rear. The Brazilian company even stated that it had more than 250 purchase intentions.

However, after several years of research with potential suppliers, the development of the new aircraft was frozen in 2023. According to Embraer, the current engine suppliers did not present short-term proposals/solutions for what the Brazilian manufacturer wanted from the engines (introduction of new engine technologies through hybrid/electric and hydrogen systems).

In order to avoid the financial risks of developing an aircraft that could become technologically obsolete in a few years, Embraer has decided to wait until the middle of the next decade, while it waits for new technologies to emerge and mature. In the meantime, the Brazilian company is working on the Energia family, which includes aircraft with 19 to 50 seats powered by three types of propulsion: hybrid-electric, hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen turbines. They are expected to be launched by 2040.

 

[M.H.]

Design should not be a problem. Just rip off an old plane and you have the design. The technology is the bigger problem. Engines etc.

You are absolutely right! Technology is the big problem, especially with the predicted change that is occurring in the world in search of more sustainable alternatives. This was the main reason why Embraer temporarily suspended the development of its project for a new generation turboprop (NGTP), since the current engine technology did not offer the necessary and sufficient technological leap for the project to achieve the proposed objectives and be a viable alternative to current models, such as the ATR.

 

[M.H.]

Before moving forward with the RTA-90, the engineers responsible for the program should first investigate why Embraer paused development of its next-generation turboprop.
Certainly, the Brazilian company has some backing in this type of question, given its history in producing regional aircraft.

 

[Rajesh]

Good deal if it happens. Their expertise can be of great help not to forget embraer also have a similar plan with turboprop hence benefits both. Don't know when saras mk2 can be seen in our skies here also embraer can help because they to had a similar project called EMB123(19passenger) with 2 prototype which can be revamped and co developed into a flying prototype. C295 can be modified for a 50 passenger version and if we don't intend to modify them what use is with the tot we bought. converting c295 into a 50+ seat version wont be that time consuming esp with all the tot and components available.