Brazilian scientists Micael Carmo and Fernando Catalano have been nominated for the prestigious European Inventor Award 2024, under the category of ‘Non-EPO Countries’. Their contribution to sustainable aviation through the development of quieter aircraft has earned them this recognition by the European Patent Office (EPO). Selected from a pool of over 550 candidates, Carmo and Catalano represent the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry.
Their work has significantly impacted Embraer’s new generation jet, the E2, by reducing its noise footprint by an impressive 65 percent. This accomplishment is a result of their tireless efforts in implementing engineering methods and solutions to design quieter aircraft. Additionally, the E2 boasts 25 percent lower CO2 emissions per passenger compared to its predecessor, with the potential for an 85 percent reduction with the use of 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The success of the “Brazilian Silent Aircraft” program, spearheaded by Embraer in collaboration with research centers from Brazil, England, Germany, and the Netherlands, underscores the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in driving innovation. This collaborative effort, funded by Embraer, FINEP, and FAPESP, involved over 200 researchers and resulted in several patents that have paved the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable jets.
Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Chief Engineer, expressed his pride in Carmo and Catalano’s achievements, stating, “It is a huge honour for Embraer and the Brazilian scientific community to be represented by [them]. We strongly believe that collaboration between companies and research centers can produce innovations to make people’s lives better, and this program is a great example of that.”
The European Inventor Award, organized by the EPO, recognizes individuals and teams whose inventions address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Carmo and Catalano’s nomination highlights the significant contribution of the Brazilian Silent Aircraft Program to the advancement of sustainable aviation technology.
About the Scientists
The journey of Carmo and Catalano reflects years of dedication and expertise in their respective fields.
Micael Carmo, with a background in Mechanical Engineering and Acoustics, has been a pivotal member of Embraer’s interiors, noise, and vibration department for over two decades. His extensive involvement in the Brazilian Silent Aircraft Program since its inception in 2006 underscores his commitment to innovation in aviation.
Fernando Catalano, a distinguished Professor and former Head of the Aeronautical Engineering Department at the Sao Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo (EESC-USP), brings a wealth of knowledge in aerodynamics to the table. His research, spanning decades, has focused on areas such as wind tunnel design, drag mitigation strategies, and experimental aeroacoustics, all of which have contributed to the success of the Silent Aircraft Program.
The Brazilian Silent Aircraft Program, initiated by Embraer in 2006, aimed to study and mitigate airframe and engine noise in jet aircraft. Through collaborative efforts with various research institutions in Brazil and abroad, the program focused on understanding the sources of aerodynamic and engine noise and implementing innovative solutions to reduce noise pollution.
The extensive research conducted as part of the program, including flight and wind tunnel tests, analytical modelling, and computational simulations, has yielded significant insights into the generation and propagation of aerodynamic noise. These insights have enabled Embraer to refine the design of aircraft components and conduct successful flight tests to validate the effectiveness of noise reduction measures.
Their work, as part of the Brazilian Silent Aircraft Program, not only demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry and academia but also underscores the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges such as noise pollution and carbon emissions in aviation.