Aerospace industry in Latin America

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A21 Editorial / Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 01:00
THE AIRCRAFT COMPANY SHOWCASES THE CAPABILITIES OF ITS TANKER AIRCRAFT TO SENIOR NATO MILITARY COMMANDERS IN LAS VEGAS, HIGHLIGHTING ITS GLOBAL GROWTH AND FULL OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY
Embraer
Embraer Defense & Security participated in the 47th annual Air Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) conference, held from April 29 to May 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), where it exhibited a KC-390 Millennium aircraft operated by the Brazilian Air Force at the Atlantic Aviation FBO facilities, located at Harry Reid International Airport.

During the event's opening, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, participated in the senior industry panel discussion, moderated by retired USAF Lieutenant General John B. Sams Jr., Chairman of the ARSAG Board, along with Richard J. Sullivan, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.

“We are very pleased to participate in ARSAG this year and to have the opportunity to present how Embraer and the KC-390 Millennium are poised to support the U.S. Department of Defense in overcoming key air-to-air refueling challenges facing the United States and its allied nations globally,” said Bosco da Costa Junior.

The executive added that this Embraer aircraft is quickly becoming the preferred choice among North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members and European allies, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces, incorporating new capabilities, and improving interoperability.



The KC-390 is already operating in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Sweden and Slovakia have also recently selected the model, while South Korea joins the growing list of countries that have opted for this platform.

The KC-390 Millennium is in production and has been operating for several years with full operational capability. It is an off-the-shelf platform that is now available, capable of offering an affordable and mass-market solution for the US and global markets to address emerging threats.

This ARSAG forum brings together the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army with NATO members and allies from 20 nations, with the goal of promoting best practices and strengthening security in joint military operations and aerial refueling systems.

Muestra Embraer el KC-390 Millennium en conferencia de sistemas de reabastecimiento aéreo

Embraer Defense & Security participó en la 47 edición

a21.com.mx

 

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The drone's design incorporates a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 160 kilograms, including a payload capacity of 20 kilograms and a fuel weight allowance of up to 46 kilograms. This balance between weight and capability ensures that the Anshar can deliver its payload precisely while maintaining extended operational range and speed. Such specifications not only highlight the drone's kamikaze mission profile but also its potential for varied military applications, from reconnaissance to direct engagement.

The Anshar stands out not only for its technological prowess but also for its operational efficiency. Designed to operate at a stunning maximum speed of 170 meters per second (approximately 612 kilometers per hour), it showcases versatility in altitude capabilities, with a minimum operational altitude of ten meters and a maximum reach of 8,000 meters. This adaptability ensures the drone's effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios, from low-altitude engagements to high-altitude missions. Moreover, with a range of 100 kilometers and flight autonomy extending up to an hour, the Anshar can effectively engage targets at significant distances, enhancing its role as a strategic asset in military operations.

Set to be manufactured at Mac Jee's facilities in Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, its production underscores Mac Jee's role as a pivotal player in the Brazilian Defense Industry Base, expanding the market reach of Brazilian-made defense solutions.

Mac Jee promotes Anshar advanced drone at WDS 2024

During the World Defense Show (WDS 2024), taking place from February 4th to 8th, 2024 in Saudi Arabia, Mac Jee promotes its Anshar drone, which combines pr

armyrecognition.com

Mac Jee

macjee.com.br

 

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The prototype, designed for national security tasks, stands out for its autonomy, communications capabilities, and operational versatility.
Andrea Torres
|
April 24, 2025
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At the FAMEX 2025 event, Enrique Gerardo Sosa, rector of the Universidad Aeráutica in Querétaro (UNAQ), commented on the project, which highlighted technological innovation for national security.

"It's a drone with robust autonomy and communications capabilities, developed over two years in conjunction with Sedena (National Security Forces). It is already in its prototype phase, and we are about to begin flight testing,” explained the rector.

The model on display is designed to perform surveillance and defense tasks, with a command and control center capable of long-distance operations and a vertical or traditional takeoff and landing system, giving it broad operational versatility.

In addition to its focus on security, the project seeks to contribute to job creation, economic development, and the country's technological self-sufficiency. According to Sosa, “a drone of this type is very expensive on the international market, but manufactured with Mexican technology, it can cost only a fraction, allowing the government to acquire more units and thus strengthen security conditions.”

Nearly 20 students and 10 faculty members from UNAQ participated in the development, along with technical staff from Sedena (National Aeronautical Ministry) and CIDEFAM (National Aeronautical Commission for the Defense of the Nation).

The degree programs involved included engineering in aeronautical mechanical design, electronics, aircraft systems control, and aeronautical manufacturing.

“It's a project that requires many diverse capabilities due to its complex electronics, its display system, and the batteries that allow for high autonomy,” Sosa stated.

A long-term collaboration

Photo: Miguel Flores
The alliance between UNAQ and the Ministry of Aerospace and Space Administration (Sedena) is not new. The Querétaro university has worked with the Ministry for more than a decade, consolidating a relationship that has allowed it to evolve from simple projects to developments of greater technical complexity.

“Today we have more than one active project with the Ministry of Aerospace and Space Administration (Sedena) and also with the Ministry of the Navy. We can't discuss all of them due to confidentiality, but this particular drone is being exhibited at FAMEX because it represents a watershed in terms of technical and technological scope,” the rector stated.

With this presentation, UNAQ reaffirms its role as a strategic player in national aerospace development, supporting the development of talent, innovation, and technological sovereignty from Querétaro.

With information from Miguel Flores

Presentan en FAMEX 2025 dron mexicano desarrollado por la UNAQ y Sedena

aldialogo.mx

Alzan vuelo drones mexicanos

Ingeniería mexicana destaca por desarrollar, crear y fabricar aeronaves no tripuladas para el país y para el extranjero

www.somosindustria.com

 

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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb_Rx8kOUi0

Welcome to our exclusive video interview recorded at Eurosatory 2024, featuring the innovative Brazilian defense company, Mac Jee. Known for its groundbreaking advancements in military technology, Mac Jee is rapidly expanding its global presence. With significant investments in Europe and the United States, and plans for future expansion into the Middle East, Mac Jee is establishing itself as a formidable player on the international defense stage. Today, we delve into their latest products, including the versatile Armadillo rocket launcher, state-of-the-art bombs, and the cutting-edge ANSHAR loitering munitions. Join us as we explore Mac Jee's vision, innovations, and strategic plans for the future.

 

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Joint development with INVAP and Marinelli

Counter-rotating platform UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)

This prototype was born thru a Joint venture with INVAP and Marinelli. This Co-Axial rotating UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) named RUAS-160 is a compact, modular Rotary Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System with counter-rotating coaxial rotors. This rotary unmanned aerial vehicle is controlled and monitored with a ground console.
Commercial Applications:

• Surface Measuring and sizing, damage evaluations
• Multispectral aerial imaging
• Inspection of high and medium voltage lines
• Assistance in forest fire outbreaks.
• Aerial application of phytosanitary products.
• Frost control in crops.
• Cattle herding/counting.
• Border Patrol/control

Main technical features​

Autonomous Guidance, navigation, and control systems.​

Payload capacity in standard and optional configurations:

• Gyro-stabilized platform with EO / IR Sensors.
• Deployable sensor module for marine environments.
• LiDAR.
• Lightweight SAR radar.
• Container for sanitary cargo.
• Agricultural spray module.
• Multispectral cameras.

Desarrollo - Cicaré

RUAS Desarrollo conjunto con INVAP y Marinelli Plataforma contra rotante VANT (Vehículo Aéreo No Tripulado) El RUAS-160 es un Sistema de Vehículos Aéreos No Tripulados de Alas Rotatorias, compacto, modular, de rotores coaxiales contra-rotativos. formado por el vehículo aéreo no tripulado de alas...

www.cicare.com.ar

 

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Zodiac Aerospace has worked in the aeronautics business for over 100 years but the group took until 2006 to establish operations in Mexico. In only 10 years, Zodiac’s operations in the state of Chihuahua have climbed from one to five plants and infrastructure now covers 55,000m2. In the same period, Zodiac has become embedded in the heart of Chihuahua’s aerospace manufacturing.

Chihuahua’s site began its operations producing different evacuation systems such as slides. Eventually, the facilities expanded and other group activities were incorporated. In 2015, the corporation Zodiac Aerospace Equipo de Mexico was created and as of today it runs nine different business units.

The Evacuation Systems’ unit comprises the production of several inflatable safety products such as evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests and flotation equipment for helicopters. Zodiac’s Interconnect business unit is in charge of designing and manufacturing components used for protecting and managing wires, either for static or dynamic applications.

Zodiac’s water & waste aero system also has operations in the state and is responsible for manufacturing cabin systems and equipment such as toilets, airstairs and vacuum waste integration systems. Its lighting solutions target the production of technologies for deck light plates and control panels, among other components. The aero electric unit manufactures flight deck equipment and power distribution systems. The seats, seat shells and actuation system divisions can also be found in the Chihuahua site. The inflight innovations business unit focuses on generating entertainment inflight solutions through the RAVE SDU touch-screen.

Zodiac’s operations in the state are not limited to manufacturing. The company has collaborated with local universities that develop courses to suit the engineering needs of the aerospace industry. The company also carries out R&D activities in Mexico, particularly for its seats unit.

Zodiac’s facilities in Chihuahua employ nearly 3,000 people in three of the company’s most profitable business areas. The latest 4,600m2 expansion opened in August 2016 and demonstrates that Chihuahua has become a cornerstone to the group’s industrial capacity.

https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/zodiac-aerospace-chihuahua