Engineering Research Center for the Aerial Mobility of the Future (ERC-AMF)

Abstract

The present proposal aims the constitution of the Engineering Research Center for the Aerial Mobility of the Future (ERC-AMF) having ITA as the host institution, Embraer as the industrial partner, and the participation of researchers from two other universities located in the State of São Paulo, namely, Unicamp and EESC/USP. The ERC-AMF has, as its general objective, the realization of R&D Works that shall contribute to overcome challenges to the shaping of the aerial mobility in the upcoming decades. These challenges arise from the necessity of reducing pollutant and noise emissions, the need for increased efficiency of manufacturing processes, besides the trend of introducing in the market novel aircraft adapted for operation in urban environments and short-range travels. Other important goals are the training of highly qualified researchers and promotion of knowledge transfer to industrial companies and diffusion of knowledge to various sector of the Society. Five research lines have been selected for development in the first operation phase of the Center, namely: Machine Control for Electric Propulsion; Aeropropulsion Integration in Electric Aircraft; Methods for Decision Making in Autonomous Systems; Advanced Design for Metallic Additive Manufacturing; and Intelligent Aircraft Final Assembly. Each of these research lines shall be developed by a team comprising researchers from the partner universities and engineers from Embraer, with strong participation of undergraduate and graduate students (Scientific Initiation, M.Sc. and Doctorate). The total number of researchers of the Center is about 130.Given the complexity and diversity of research topics, the constitution of the ERC-AMF is regarded, by its partners, as a viable and sustainable means of carrying-out long-term research and development projects, with continuous supply of funding. The Center will have a well-established governance structure, having responsibilities shared between the host institution and the partner company. This structure will be constituted by the Higher Council, formed by leaders from ITA, Embraer and FAPESP, and the Executive Council, which is supported by the International Consultative Council, the Office of Technology Transfer, and the Office of Education and Diffusion of Knowledge. In addition, the Center will have the Project Management Office. It is expected that the Center will effectively contribute for the appropriation, by the Brazilian aeronautical industry, of scientific and technological knowledge generated by scientific investigation and, as a result, increase its preparedness to face challenges that shall be overcome in the process of shaping the aerial mobility of the upcoming decades. (AU)