Embraer has completed initial structural fatigue tests on the wing of its New Technologies Demonstration Platform (PDNT), a project supported by Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and Finep. The initiative focuses on research into low and medium Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) with co-executors Alltec, Equatorial, Motora and TecCer. The first phase involved developing new processes for ground test bench analysis, with the composite wing subjected to extreme loading conditions.

Cleiton Silva, Embraer’s Vice President of Technology and Advanced Projects, says: “We are excited about the evolution of the project, which brings together industry, government and academia for the development of applied research that contributes to the generation of knowledge and people training. Technological innovations are fundamental to accelerating the sustainable aviation of the future and strengthening the competitiveness of Brazil’s industry.”

The static test, conducted at ACS Aviation in São José dos Campos, validated new methodologies and materials. The next phase will involve manufacturing the fuselage and empennage for the flying laboratory, with contributions from Brazilian research institutions including ITA, IMT, IPT and USP’s School of Engineering of São Carlos.