Ethanol-Powered Agricultural Aviation

The Embraer Ipanema is a single-engine agricultural aircraft that runs on 100% hydrous ethanol (E100). Certified in 2004, it was the first production aircraft in the world powered by a biofuel, and over 1,500 units have been delivered to Brazilian and international operators.

The aircraft is used for crop spraying across Brazil's large-scale farms. Running on ethanol eliminates aviation gasoline dependency, reduces operating costs (ethanol is cheaper than avgas in Brazil), and cuts carbon emissions. The Ipanema's Lycoming engine was modified by Embraer to handle ethanol's different combustion characteristics.

The Ipanema proves a point that extends beyond agricultural aviation: with appropriate engineering, ethanol can replace fossil fuels in applications traditionally considered impossible for biofuels. Embraer is now applying this 20-year experience to sustainable aviation fuel development for its commercial aircraft.