Aerospace industry in Latin America

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Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, announced last week that his government will negotiate with Embraer and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) a financing program to enable Angola to acquire three KC-390 Millennium aircraft.

The announcement came during a visit by Angolan President Joao Lourenco to Brazil, where he also announced that assistance will be provided to modernize the African country's A-29 Super Tucano fleet.

The KC-390 currently operates in the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been selected by the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, South Korea, and an undisclosed customer.

The Angolan fleet, meanwhile, includes several Soviet-made models, with the eight Antonov An-12s being the most similar in both capability and operational profile to the KC-390 Millennium.

If the matter progresses, Embraer could strengthen its position in the African market as a provider of military solutions. A few weeks ago, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Denel, South Africa's leading defense company, seeking to incorporate the KC-390 into that country's Armed Forces.

The KC-390 has a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and a speed of 470 knots. It can be used in tactical missions, medical evacuations, in-flight refueling, firefighting, and special operations.

It is capable of operating on unpaved runways and in extreme climates, making it an ideal platform for African conditions.

During the first part of May, the aircraft toured the United States to demonstrate its capabilities to representatives of the United States Armed Forces, members of Congress, and the media.

Embraer also showcased its model at the DSEI convention center in Japan between May 21 and 23 as part of its awareness campaign.

Hunnu Air's Embraer E-195 E2 made its inaugural flight between Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and Beijing Daxing International Airport, China, becoming the first model of its kind to operate a route to mainland China.

“The launch of this route with our new E195 E2 reflects Hunnu Air's determination to expand our international network and symbolizes the deepening of friendship and collaboration between Mongolia and China in this new era,” said Munkhjargal Purevjal, CEO of the airline.

“Since 2019, we have operated first-generation E190 aircraft, and the addition of the E195 E2 is the perfect upgrade to meet the growing demand for both domestic and international travel. We look forward to the E2 becoming the foundation for our long-term growth, allowing us to offer unparalleled connectivity throughout the region,” he added.

The flight was operated by the first of two new models the Mongolian airline received in April. These models will be used to increase capacity to Haikou and Sanya, China, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, as well as expand its services to Japan, India, and South Korea, and introduce scheduled flights to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J01-2chF5Lk&t=2s
Hunnu Air's E195 E2 is configured in a two-class layout with 136 seats in Embraer's renowned 2-2 arrangement, meaning "no passenger will have to endure the dreaded middle seat."

"We strongly support Hunnu Air in the success of this key corridor. The right-sized E2 will allow Hunnu Air to grow profitably, unlocking Mongolia's enormous potential and strengthening its growing network in Asia," said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation.

The first Embraer aircraft to enter service in Mongolia was in 2018, an ERJ 145.

Embraer will participate in the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), which will be held from May 20 to 24, 2025, in Langkawi, Malaysia. During the event, the company will showcase the KC-390 Millennium, a multi-mission tactical transport aircraft that has been deployed by various air forces around the world. The aircraft will be available for display both at booth C013 and in the outdoor static display area.

This presentation reinforces Embraer's interest in expanding its presence in Southeast Asia within the defense sector.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated that it is an honor to have the KC-390 at LIMA 2025.

“It is a next-generation military air transport with multi-mission capability, interoperability, reliability, low life-cycle cost, and high performance at its core. The aircraft is gaining ground worldwide, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the Asia-Pacific region,” Da Costa Junior emphasized.

The KC-390 is an aircraft designed to respond to today's operational challenges. It can reach a speed of 470 knots and carry up to 26 tons of cargo, outperforming other mid-size cargo aircraft. It is powered by IAE V2500 engines and was introduced into service in 2019.

Its design allows for a wide variety of missions, such as cargo or troop transport and offloading, medical evacuations, search and rescue, humanitarian missions, firefighting, and in-flight refueling.

The aircraft can operate in various geographical and climatic conditions in Southeast Asia, including unpaved terrain such as compacted earth or gravel. Its design allows it to operate reliably in humid, hot, cold, or dry environments. It is equipped with sensors, communications systems, and an integrated electronic warfare system, giving it connectivity and self-protection capabilities.

According to Embraer, the KC-390 achieved a 99% mission completion rate and maintains low operating costs. Its design from the outset considered the ability to perform multiple roles and facilitate interoperability with various armed forces. It is currently in service in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary.

It has also been ordered by South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed customer. Sweden and Slovakia recently announced their selection of this aircraft for their national defense.

In the Southeast Asian region, Embraer already maintains a presence through the operation of aircraft such as the A-29 Super Tucano in Indonesia and the Philippines. These models are used for advanced training and close air support missions.

The company also has a regional office in Singapore, as well as a spare parts and components distribution center. Over the past twenty years, Embraer has designed and certified 21 aircraft platforms, demonstrating its development capabilities in the aerospace industry.
 
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is advancing the modernization of its fleet with the Gripen E hunt, registered as FAB 4110, which was escorted to the port of Linköping, in Sweden, for shipment to the port of Navegantes, in Santa Catarina. Amateur videos circulating in WhatsApp groups show the moment the aircraft was transported. This is the last Gripen E to be manufactured in Sweden, marking the start of production in Brazil, at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, a framework for the national defense industry.
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The FAB 4110 also includes significant advances, such as larger area lifts, which optimize maneuverability in misses with heavy loads and reduced distances necessary for decollage and use. This update was also implemented on FAB 4100, or first Gripen E delivered to Brazil, during its 300-hour overhaul at Embraer. These benefits strengthen the FAB's capacity in highly complex strategic operations.

The production of the next 15 Gripen E bottles will be carried out in Brazil only, with first delivery scheduled for October or November 2025 and two more units in 2026.

In Sweden, Saab will focus exclusively on manufacturing the Gripen F, a dual-purpose version intended for training and specialized misses. The transfer of production to Brazil reinforces the technological autonomy of the country and consolidates the partnership with Saab, positioning FAB as a reference in the defense of national air space.

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

Mongolia's Hunnu Air Will Add A New Embraer E195-E2 To Its Tiny Fleet In March​

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In a significant advance for Argentine aerospace development, the Argentine Air Force successfully completed the experimental launch of the MET 1-SO "Escorpio" sounding rocket, a domestically developed suborbital platform. The test took place on Thursday, May 22, at the CELPA II ATLÁNTICO Self-Propelled Projectile Experimentation and Launch Center, located in Mar Chiquita, Buenos Aires province, and marked a new milestone in the country's ability to design, operate, and recover suborbital flight vehicles.
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The main objective of this mission was to validate under real-world conditions a series of technologies developed in Argentina, in conjunction with the Institute of Scientific and Technical Research for Defense (CITEDEF). Among the milestones achieved were the flight qualification of the solid-fuel propulsion system, as well as the testing of telemetry and encrypted transmission systems, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence for search and rescue tasks at sea.
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One of the biggest highlights of the test was the successful recovery of the payload capsule over the waters of the South Atlantic, an unprecedented achievement for the Argentine aerospace industry. The capsule, undocked after reaching the peak of its ballistic trajectory, was located and recovered by Argentine Navy personnel, with the support of drones and specialized sensors.


In this regard, the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, stated, "The launch of MET 1-SO represents a historic event. It marks how, in the air and at sea, we continue to recover our defense and technological capabilities with developments unique to the Argentine Air Force."

The development and execution of the mission was carried out by the personnel of the General Directorate of Research and Development (DGID), with the participation of CITEDEF and other state agencies linked to the scientific and technological sector. MET 1-SO was designed as a single-stage sounding rocket for suborbital flights, capable of reaching altitudes close to the Kármán line, the conventional limit of space at 100 km altitude. However, on this initial mission, the flight profile was limited to evaluate the launcher's critical subsystems.

According to the specialized portal EspacioTech, the vehicle features domestically developed avionics, high-precision inertial navigation, passive guidance using aerodynamic design and fixed stabilizers, and high-frequency telemetry that enables real-time monitoring even during high acceleration phases. Furthermore, its modular and scalable architecture allows it to be adapted to more complex future missions.

The MET 1-SO also incorporates an artificial intelligence system onboard its payload capsule, which assists in locating it after splashdown. This technology was key to Argentina's first successful recovery of a capsule launched from land to sea.

This successful test positions the country among the few nations capable of designing, building, launching, and recovering suborbital vehicles. For the Argentine Air Force, this is a strategic step toward strengthening its technological capabilities, within the framework of a forward-looking national project, with sovereignty and autonomy in the aerospace field.


IACIT presents innovations for air safety at SpaceBR Show 2025
Ricardo Fan
May 28, 2025
Aviation, SpaceBR Show

IACIT, a Brazilian company of reference in innovation, will be present at SpaceBR Show 2025, Latin America's main fair on space technology.

At the event, which takes place between June 3 and 5, at the Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo, the company will present ponta solutions applied to UAM (Urban Air Mobility) and UTM (Traffic Management of Unmanned Aircraft Systems), with emphasis on the DroneBlocker.

Used by the Brazilian Army, DroneBlocker is a system developed to inhibit communications from drones, cell phones, explosive devices and other equipment that operates via radio frequency. The solution is intended to protect sensitive areas of strategic interest.

"We believe that the mastery of critical technologies is essential to strengthen the country's response capacity in the face of new challenges. Our work is aimed at developing solutions that contribute to national technological autonomy and address real demands for security, control and monitoring of air space", stated Luiz Teixeira, CEO of IACIT.

Innovation
IACIT will also present MUST (Multi-Sensor Urban Surveillance and Tracking), an innovative system designed for monitoring delivery drones and eVTOLs in high-density urban areas. The technology integrates data from multiple sensors along with artificial intelligence to track them in real time. Its main differential is the ability to guarantee persistent surveillance in high-density urban environments, guaranteeing safety and efficiency in air operations.

With transversal application, MUST can also be adapted to public defense and security scenarios, expanding the autonomy and surveillance capacity of Brazil.


Accurate
It is also part of the IACIT or Meteodrone portfolio, a meteorological drone equipped with high-precision sensors to collect atmospheric data on the Earth's limit layer — such as temperature, humidity, pressure and wind. Different radiosondes are discarded, the Meteodrone returns to the original point, guaranteeing directed measurements, being able to be reused, making the system more sustainable and economical.

The equipment can be integrated into the MIND platform (Integrated Nowcasting Meteorology for Decision Makers), which will also be highlighted at the fair.

The platform, which operates via the web, brings together data from sensors, radars and numerical models to issue alerts in real time and can be adapted to different scenarios, strengthening the management of climate risks. The tool integrates all types of sensors to emit a range of information that streamlines and automates operations, facilitating prompt response.


About SpaceBR
The SpaceBR Show is now in its fifth edition, consolidated as one of the two main aerospace technology events in Latin America. Focused on business promotion, strategic connections and sector trends, the fair brings together representatives of industry, universities, research institutes, startups, investors and government bodies.

"Events like the SpaceBR Show create a favorable environment for the exchange of knowledge and the formation of strategic partnerships. It is an opportunity to present solutions developed in Brazil and expand connections with institutions and companies that share a commitment to innovation," highlights the CEO of IACIT.
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About IACIT
Founded in 1986, IACIT is a Brazilian company with headquarters in São José dos Campos (SP), recognized by its work in the development of technological solutions for air traffic control, defense, meteorology and public security.

Certified as a Strategic Defense Company (SED) by the Ministry of Defense, IACIT continually invests in innovation to expand national technological autonomy and contribute to the security and sovereignty of Brazil.

 
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Akaer, a Brazilian company that is a leader in technology and innovation in the aerospace sector, was present at the first presentation of the D328eco test aircraft. The rollout, as the event is known in English, took place this Wednesday (28), at the Oberpfaffenhoven Airfield, Germany.

The rollout represents a step forward for the program of the sustainable 40-seat turboprop aircraft, in which Akaer plays a fundamental role as the company responsible for the mass production of the front fuselage — including industrialization, tooling, prototypes and associated studies.

The presentation of the first test aircraft, incorporating new technologies — including updated engines and avionics — aimed to validate the flight characteristics before the first official flight.

This milestone precedes the start of production of the front fuselage at the Akaer factory in São José dos Campos (SP).

“The rollout of the D328eco is a step forward for a significant project in regional aviation, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. For Akaer, participating in this moment and being responsible for a critical component, such as the forward fuselage, reinforces our position as the first Brazilian company in the aerospace sector recognized as a Tier 1 Global Supplier. We are ready and eager to start production and contribute to the success of this innovative aircraft”, said Cesar Silva, CEO of Akaer, present at the event alongside Senior Advisor, Marco Tulio Pellegrini.

Sustainable aviation

The D328eco was designed to operate with up to 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce carbon emissions and set a new standard for regional aviation.

With a capacity for 40 passengers, state-of-the-art avionics and capable of operating on short, unpaved runways, the model combines operational efficiency with versatility, and can be adapted for passenger transport, rescue missions, military operations and firefighting.

The strategic partnership with Deutsche Aircraft, which began in 2023, consolidates Akaer's expertise in the development and supply of complex aerostructures and systems for the global market.

Expertise

With over 33 years of experience, Akaer has accumulated a portfolio of over 10 million engineering hours dedicated to the development of aeronautical systems and structures. Throughout its history, it has been involved in over 50 prominent projects on the world stage.

The company has played an essential role in major aerospace programs, including collaboration with Embraer on the E-Jets family, the KC-390 military freighter and with Saab, in the development of the Gripen E fighters for the Brazilian Air Force. It also participated in the Hürjet supersonic fighter project, in partnership with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

AKAER is a leading company, highly specialized in the development of cutting-edge technological solutions and products for the Space, Aeronautics and Defense industries. Our commitment to innovation and integration allows us to offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions adapted to the most demanding demands.

Headquartered in São José dos Campos (SP), Akaer maintains offices in Portugal and Turkey.
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SOURCE: Rossi Comunicação
 

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXFM5oR0npw
Top 5 Best Missiles and Rockets Made in Argentina.
The MARA is a disposable anti-tank rocket launcher designed by CITEFA and manufactured by the Fray Luis Beltrán munitions factory. It has the distinction of being designed, developed, financed, and produced entirely in Argentina.
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The AS-25K is an Argentine air-to-surface missile (ASM) under development by the CITEFA ("Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de las FFAA" - Armed Forces Scientific and Technical Research Institute) in 2 versions: air-sea and air-land. The main user is the COAN (COmando Aviación Naval - Naval Aviation Command) of the Argentine Navy.

It is propelled by a booster rocket and a solid propergol sustainer rocket, with a range of 25 km at a speed of Mach-2. Its total weight is less than 240 kg, and its warhead is composed by approximately 60 kg of Hexolite 50.50.

Variants
Four variants are being considered, differing basically in the guidance system:

AS-25K-RC - Radio Commanded
AS-25K-IR - Passive Infra-Red
AS-25K-LS - Laser
AS-25K-TV - Television
It has been reported that the IR version is already developed and ready for testing. Work is being done in a laser guidance system for the LS version. Research for the TV version is being commenced.

Relation with Martin Pescador
The AS-25K is a development of the Martin Pescador MP-1000 Argentine air-to-surface missile, currently in use also by the Argentine Navy. The main differences are:
Enhanced speed and range (thanks to the booster acceleration)
Improved guidance on height/range and azimuth (the MP-1000 can only be guided in height/range)
Fire-and-forget guidance system (thanks to the IR seeker, the MP-1000 has only manual radioelectric guidance).
Greater range (estimated at 25 km, that's why the "25K" missile denomination).

Technical specifications
Type:
Anti-ship missile
Manufacturer: CITEFA
Diameter: 22 cm
Length: 295 m
Wingspan:295 cm
Standard warhead weight: 60 kg
Warhead type: HE
Maximum range: 25 km
Guidance: IR or TV
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The missile is planned to have four versions:
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AS-25K-RC - Radio Command
AS-25K-IR - Passive IR
AS-25K-LS - Laser
AS-25K-TV - Television
The missile is planned to have four versions:
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AS-25K-RC - Radio Command
AS-25K-IR - Passive IR
AS-25K-LS - Laser
AS-25K-TV - Television
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VEX1A
The first test of the prototype launcher Satellite Tronador, denominado VEX1A, was held on 26 February 2014 in a launch pad located in Punta Piedras, against River Plate, a few miles Lighthouse Bay Samborombón. The test vehicle was the first of a total of 6 laCONAE provides experimental vehicles used throughout the project. For reasons that are still not finished determining takeoff materialize although the CONAE was responsible for clarification in a press conference after the launch, what “at any time the vehicle exploded, simply dropped without affecting the launch structure and parts have already been recovered almost completely, to conduct a thorough analysis will provide valuable information to make the necessary corrections in the next trials”.

VEX1B
The second vector launched this time with ultimate success, was held on 15 August 2014. The launch of the vector called VEX1B, was confirmed by the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services to report that on that evening at 19.25 He was successful in Pipinas, Province of Buenos Aires, a new trial testing future satellite launcher hundred percent Argentine Tronador, with the launch of Experimental Vehicle VEX 1B. This trial aimed to test in flight propulsion system and navigation, guidance and control, all developed in Argentina, which served to verify technological maturity Project. 1B vehicle VEX, is the second in a series of 3 a 6 experimental rocket launch as prototypes to perfect the satellite launcher Tronador, and has a height of 14,5 meters, equivalent to a building 5 homes, weigh station 2,8 tons and reaches a top speed 828 mph. According to results, more tests will be done to move to the next stage, el grows 5 then move to Tronador itself, and will be released from Puerto Belgrano, in the south of the province of Buenos Aires.

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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwFQXDDZgf4

 
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Embraer has strengthened its strategic commitment to India by creating a new, wholly-owned subsidiary with its corporate headquarters in AeroCity, the business hub adjacent to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. This decision marks a decisive step in the Brazilian company's roadmap to consolidate its long-term presence in a country with a rapidly expanding aerospace and defense sector, presenting significant opportunities for industrial development, technological collaboration, and skills transfer.

The new subsidiary will operate as a comprehensive platform for all Embraer business lines in India, including defense and security, commercial aviation, executive aviation, aftermarket services, and the emerging urban air mobility sector. The company is in the process of building local teams specialized in corporate functions, procurement, supply chain, and engineering, with the goal of capitalizing on the synergies offered by the Indian market and actively contributing to the government's "Make in India" initiative, aimed at boosting industrial self-sufficiency in strategic sectors.

Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, underscored the importance of this move within the company's global vision, highlighting that India is a key market and that the new subsidiary represents a tangible demonstration of Embraer's commitment to the country. According to him, there is high potential for collaboration in all segments where the company operates, and the direct presence will allow it to consolidate alliances, develop local capabilities, and adapt technological solutions to the specific needs of Indian customers.

In the defense sector, Embraer already has a significant presence in India. Currently, nearly 50 aircraft of 11 different models operate in the country, including the Legacy 600 aircraft used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Border Patrol (BSF) for the transport of authorities and government missions, as well as the "Netra" AEW&C platforms developed based on the ERJ145 and operated by the IAF as part of its early warning system. Adding to this consolidated presence is the collaboration agreement signed in February 2024 with Mahindra Defense Systems, through which Embraer and its Indian partner will jointly evaluate the possibility of competing for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program promoted by the Indian Air Force. The candidate presented is the C-390 Millennium, a next-generation military transport aircraft distinguished by its versatility, cruising speed of 470 knots, and capacity to carry up to 26 tons of cargo. The C-390 has already achieved full operational capability and has demonstrated its performance in transport missions, troop drops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian missions, firefighting, and in-flight refueling, both as a tanker and receiver aircraft.
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On the commercial front, Embraer emphasizes the strategic role of its E-Jets family regional aircraft in boosting air connectivity in second- and third-tier cities in India. These aircraft, which operate in the country through companies such as Star Air (the only operator in India that operates exclusively with Embraer aircraft, including the E175 and ERJ145), allow for the development of low-density routes, beyond the operational reach of turboprops and at a lower cost than 180-seat narrowbodies. Embraer's value proposition in this segment aligns with the Indian government's vision of positioning the country as a central hub in the global aviation network, optimizing the balance between capacity and demand on lower-volume routes.

The opening of this subsidiary also strengthens institutional ties between Brazil and India and is part of Embraer's strategy for greater involvement in the Indian market, as demonstrated by its planned participation in the upcoming IATA General Assembly (IATA AGM 2025), to be held in New Delhi. The company thereby seeks to strengthen its relationship with key players in the Indian aviation ecosystem, both at the institutional and business levels.

With this expansion, Embraer not only expands its physical presence in one of the fastest-growing regions on the planet, but also positions itself as a key player in the transformation of the Indian aerospace industry's industrial and operational model. Its commitment to establishing local capabilities, adapting its products to the country's requirements, and fostering strategic alliances reflects a long-term vision based on technological collaboration, shared industrialization, and an active contribution to the development of an increasingly competitive and autonomous aeronautical environment.

 
Quetzaltenango 1, the first airplane built in Guatemala

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This is the story of Quetzaltenango 1, the first airplane built in Guatemala and Central America, created by Quetzaltenango native Miguel Ángel Castroconde and his son.

This was a great achievement for the country and Central America, as it marked a turning point in the creation of similar inventions.

Quetzaltenango 1, the first airplane built in Guatemala
In the 1970s, Miguel Ángel Castro Conde worked as a private pilot after graduating from the capital in this profession.

Photo description for the visually impaired: The Guatemalan-built airplane inside a warehouse. (Credits: Quetzaltenango History Museum).
He passed on his love of airplanes to his son, also named Miguel Ángel. This passion led them to attend the Experimental Aviation Association Convention in the United States, and during this trip, the idea of building their own airplane, based on plans and instructions, came to them.

The lectures at this convention were the only training they received for such an ambitious project, and in 1992 they returned to the United States with the intention of purchasing all the materials, but the money wasn't enough, so they continued saving for six years until they managed to raise the required amount.

Thus began the construction of the airplane
In 1999, Mr. and Mrs. Castro Conde began building the airplane, taking care of every last detail.

Photo description for the visually impaired: Miguel Ángel Castro Conde Jr. in the workshop where they built the airplane. (Credits: Quetzaltenango History Museum).
According to his son, the main material for this airplane was aluminum, purchased entirely in the United States. It was built inside their home, where they made all the necessary modifications to make it the perfect place to work.

Continue reading: History of the Atanasio Tzul Causeway in Guatemala City
This aircraft was a single-wing monoplane with seating for two people and a single engine. It measured 27 feet from wingtip to wingtip and 23 feet across the wing. The controls included a compass, fuel gauges, and a speedometer, among other things. It soared to 15,500 feet above sea level and reached a speed of 105 miles per hour.

The First Flight of the Quetzaltenango 1
Both men worked for three and a half years, until they completed construction on May 23, 2003, and the plane's first flight took place. According to them, it was a very significant moment, as it marked the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight, recognized as the fathers of aviation. Both father and son presented the Quetzaltenango 1 to the Civil Aeronautics, where they expressed little surprise at their achievement.

Photo description for the visually impaired: An airplane created by Guatemalans on a grass runway, prior to takeoff. (Credits: Quetzaltenango History Museum).
Miguel Ángel Castro Conde, Sr., once spoke of the first flight of the Quetzaltenango 1: "I always pray, but this time I did even more. I brought an image of the Virgin of Los Lagos that someone gave me and placed it near the controls. I also took a medallion of the Virgin of the Rosary, and in the passenger seat were all the saints I knew... they were my first traveling companions."

Continue reading: History of "Don't Tempt Us," a newspaper from the USAC (United States Air Force).
However, the fear of the first flight soon dissipated. The Quetzaltenango 1 functioned perfectly during its 125 cumulative flight hours, thanks to the care and periodic checks that were performed without fail.

Miguel Ángel Castro Conde (father) passed away in December 2018, and the plane he painstakingly created still exists, housed in a private hangar in Quetzaltenango.

 
Akaer advances the project of the VLN AKR satellite launch vehicle
Stage marks the progress of Brazil towards sovereignty in the launch of satellites
By MundoGEO

01/06/25 10h45 - Updated: 01/06/25 11h08



Akaer concluded with the success of Phase A of the Small Launch Vehicle (VLN AKR) project. This stage marks an advance in Brazil towards sovereignty in the launch of satellites.

On December 18, the Preliminary Review of Requirements officially closed this initial stage, confirming that the deadlines and objectives have been met.

The VLN AKR program is divided into seven Phases: 0, A, B, C, D, E and F. The initial phases 0, A and B are focused on the elaboration of the operational concept, two system requirements and the identification of technical solutions that comply with the miss declaration. Phases C and D comprise the detailing and qualification activities of two space and terrestrial segments, and phase E, the activities related to the launch of the vehicle. Finally, in the F phase we run the enclosure and project documentation.


During Phase A, the conceptual project and the technical requirements are validated. Now, the project is advancing to Phase B, dedicated to preliminary definitions, which will culminate with a Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

"The conclusion of Phase A marks an important advance in the development of this project that will transform the Brazilian aerospace sector. We are committed to developing technological solutions that will consolidate Brazil as a strategic player in the global aerospace sector,"

said Wilson Toyama, director of Akaer's Launchers and Weapons Systems Business Unit.
Innovations
The VLN AKR is the result of a partnership between Akaer and the companies Acrux, BRENG and EMSISTI, with financing from Finep. The vehicle is being designed to be light and compact, being capable of inserting useful loads into an equatorial circular orbit of up to 450 km.

His project stands out for its use of advanced technologies, such as:

Lightweight propellers and engines manufactured with compostable materials, which offer greater efficiency and significant weight reduction.
Control vehicle thrust for greater precision – ensures that the vehicle follows exactly the planned trajectory.
Compact electronic architecture – guarantees the operation and control of the launch vehicle with minimized weight and volume.
These technologies, all developed by national technicians, reduce manufacturing and operating costs, making the VLN AKR more accessible and sustainable.

"We close the options phase, in which we validate the conceptual project and review technical and functional requirements. Now, we continue to phase B, focused on the preliminary definitions and the Preliminary Project Review",

explains Wilson Toyama.
Space legacy
Headquartered in Maranhão, Acrux will produce propellants and manufacture VLN AKR engines in its facilities. This initiative, unprecedented in the region, boosts the local economy, creates qualified jobs and transforms the state into a strategic aerospace hub for the country.

BRENG Engineering and Technology is responsible for the Stage Separation System, Coifa Opening System, Satellite Deployer and Voice Termination System, all essential for the safety and efficiency of operations. The company's work is focused on critical solutions that guarantee the precise functioning of the launching vehicle.

EMSISTI is already developing the on-board computer and the voice management software. The company works with advanced technologies, focused on on-board hardware and software and stands out for its work on small satellites (Cubesats, Nanosatellites and Microsatellites).

The project also counts on the collaboration of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ICTs) and highly qualified professionals, including specialists who participate in historical programs of the Brazilian space sector.

It is anticipated that the first launch of the VLN AKR will occur in the first half of 2027. Brazil seeks to join the select group of just 13 countries around the world capable of carrying out orbital launches independently.
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With information and images from Akaer

Brazil is preparing a major debut at the SpaceBR Show 2025 with the official presentation of the Brazilian Microlauncher (MLBR), a project that promises to revolutionize national access to space. Developed by a consortium of Brazilian companies, the rocket is capable of placing small satellites in low orbit, consolidating an unprecedented advance in the country's technological autonomy. The exhibition will take place from June 3 to 5 at the Expo Center Norte in São Paulo.

Technical details and capabilities of the Brazilian Microlauncher (MLBR)
At 12 meters high, 1.1 meters in diameter and with a total mass of 12 tons, the MLBR was designed to transport up to 30 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO). The main focus is the launch of small satellites, such as cubesats and nanosats, a growing global demand. The vehicle's structure features national propulsion, aerodynamic and flight control technologies, integrating the latest in Brazilian aerospace engineering.

The microlauncher will be presented to the public through a scaled-down model, accompanied by explanatory panels and the presence of the technical team to present the onboard solutions, launch strategies, and civil and military applications. This configuration aims to demonstrate the viability of the project and attract new partners and investors for its future commercial operation.

Coordination between companies, government, and institutions for the development of the MLBR
The development of the MLBR is the result of a productive arrangement formed by Brazilian companies led by Cenic Engenharia, with strategic partnerships such as Concert Space, Delsis, ETSYS, Plasmahub, Bizu Space, Horuseye Tech, and Fibraforte. The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) through Finep, with institutional support from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB).

This union between the private sector, government, and scientific institutions demonstrates an innovative model for financing and executing strategic projects in the space sector. The proposal is to generate technological development with economic impact, creating highly qualified jobs and strengthening the national aerospace supply chain, which is still dependent on foreign solutions on many fronts.
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Impact of the MLBR on the Brazilian space industry and national technological sovereignty
The construction of its own launch vehicle represents a strategic leap for Brazil, placing the country in the select group of nations with the capacity for independent access to space. The MLBR not only meets the demand of universities, research centers and companies that wish to place their satellites in orbit, but also strengthens Brazil's presence in the international microlaunch market.

With the growing importance of space sovereignty, the project contributes to reducing dependence on foreign launchers, opening space for more frequent launches from Brazilian soil — such as the Alcântara Launch Center — and boosting the ecosystem of startups and innovation in the national aerospace sector. The MLBR is a milestone in technology, strategy and scientific identity for Brazil.


At an event marking one year of the New Industry in Brazil (NIB), the Federal Government will launch, this Wednesday (12), the goals of Mission 6, focused on strategic technologies for national sovereignty and defense. With public and private investments of R$ 112.9 billion, the mission seeks to expand Brazil's dominance in areas such as radars, satellites and rockets.

The launch will be attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), Geraldo Alckmin, and representatives of the federal government, civil society and the productive sector.

For Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, NIB Mission 6 will boost investment in research, development and innovation (R&D&I), making national industry more competitive. “The defense industry is essential for the development of cutting-edge technologies, which can also be applied to services for our daily lives, such as GPS. With Nova Indústria Brasil, we will strengthen the national industry and expand Brazil's potential for high-level technologies, increasing the competitiveness of products in the international market”, says Alckmin, who cites Embraer's KC-390 as an example.

Strategic for the national industry, defense product exports have stood out in the last two years. In 2024, Brazil exported US$ 1.8 billion in defense products, an increase of 22% compared to 2023. In the previous year, exports had totaled US$ 1.5 billion, representing a significant growth of 123% compared to 2022.

Investments
Mission 6 has R$ 112.9 billion in investments, of which R$ 79.8 billion came from public funds and R$ 33.1 billion from the private sector. Public investments include PAC Defesa, with R$31.4 billion for projects such as the Gripen fighter jet, the KC-390 cargo plane, armored vehicles, frigates and submarines. Finep also invests in strategic projects, such as the Brazilian multipurpose reactor and the take-off rocket for hypersonic vehicles, with R$4.2 billion already invested and an additional R$331 million expected. BNDES and Banco do Brasil have already supported the sector's exports with more than R$23.75 billion, and BNDES projects an additional R$20 billion in support by 2026. The private investment of R$33.1 billion will be divided between the aerospace and defense sectors (R$23.7 billion), nuclear (R$8.6 billion) and security and others (R$787 million). At the event, Finep and BNDES will sign a contract with Embraer for innovation projects in the sector.

In total, Brazilian industry has already received R$3.4 trillion in public and private investments. Public investment is R$1.1 trillion, including resources from the Plano Mais Produção (P+P), the NIB's financial arm, and related programs, such as the Novo PAC and the Plano de Transformação Ecológica (Ecological Transformation Plan). The production sector has announced R$2.24 trillion to strengthen national production in the coming years.

A review of the first year
The Nova Indústria Brasil (NIB) is completing one year of boosting national industry, with significant advances in investments, innovation and job creation, in a partnership between the federal government, civil society and the production sector. In total, there are R$3.4 trillion in public and private investments in the segments of agribusiness, automotive, bioeconomy and renewable energy, civil construction, healthcare industry, pulp and paper, steel and defense, aerospace and nuclear.

Launched on January 22, 2024 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), Geraldo Alckmin, the industrial policy has already shown significant progress, such as growth of 3.1% in industrial production, 9.1% in the capital goods sector, 3.5% in the consumer goods sector, with 10.6% of durable consumer goods.

With the mobilization of financial institutions, the Plano Mais Produção – considered one of the major advances of the NIB – has leveraged R$507 billion for industrial projects through 2026. To give you an idea of the gains that Nova Indústria Brasil has been making, last year the P+P registered a 69% increase in resources, comparing the total forecast with the R$300 billion announced on the day the NIB was launched, in January 2024. This increase is the result of the participation of new partners Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Banco da Amazônia and Banco do Nordeste, which joined BNDES, Finep and Embrapii in financing industrial policy. It is worth noting that, of the total investments, R$384.4 billion have already been approved between 2023 and 2024. To finance innovative projects, such as the production of more efficient electric motors and pharmaceutical factories, the P+P relies on Mais Inovação Brasil. This line of financing has R$80 billion from Finep, BNDES, Embrapii and BASA, with reimbursable and non-reimbursable resources.

NIB also brings together several initiatives to stimulate national industry, such as the Bras program
il Mais Produtivo, which allocates R$2 billion for the digital transformation of micro, small and medium-sized industries; Mover (Green Mobility and Innovation), which encourages sustainability in the automotive chain; and Depreciação Acelerada, for the renewal of Brazil's industrial park.

Mission 6: goals and priorities
The resources will pave the way for Brazil to strengthen the three priority chains of Mission 6, announced by Minister Geraldo Alckmin at the event: satellites, launch vehicles and radars. These sectors were defined based on the existence of built local capacities, potential for generating high-tech exports and generation of qualified jobs.

The goals of Mission 6, defined by the National Council for Industrial Development (CNDI), are to achieve 55% mastery of critical defense technologies by 2026 and 75% by 2033. Currently, Brazil dominates 42.7% of critical technologies, defined from a list of 39 strategic R&D&I projects for critical technologies defined by the MDIC, the Ministries of Defense and Science, Technology and Innovation, Finep and the Brazilian Space Agency.

In the coming weeks, the CNDI will hold meetings in the coming weeks to deepen discussions on the priority production chains of the six NIB missions.
 
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6OD1rl0GAc
The Tronador Project is a program of Argentina's National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) that seeks to develop a rocket to launch satellites. The goal is for Argentina to be able to launch its own satellites into orbit and offer services to other countries.
 
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