Aerospace industry in Latin America (2 Viewers)

The French Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs announced their intention on Wednesday (July 2) to transform Helibras, a factory located in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, into a production and export hub for one of the world's most advanced helicopter models, the H145, a multipurpose, high-tech onboard aircraft.

The Letter of Intent was signed after a meeting between the Vice President and Minister of the MDIC, Geraldo Alckmin, and the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, in Brasília. The document was signed by the MDIC's Executive Secretary, Márcio Elias Rosa, who led the project negotiations on the Brazilian side.

Geraldo Alckmin and Laurent Saint-Martin in Brasília. The proposal is aligned with the guidelines of the New Industry Brazil (NIB), meeting the premises of productive densification, technological incorporation, and high-value-added exports, generating jobs and developing local supply chains.

R$1 billion is expected to be invested in the production of the H145 model, with the construction of up to 200 units over the next 15 years, targeting both domestic and international markets. Each helicopter has an estimated market value of US$15 million.

Helibras: a regional benchmark in aviation

TH-X assembly line
Helibras is the only rotorcraft manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere and has already delivered more than 850 helicopters in Brazil, for both civilian and military operations. Originally a binational company, it is now controlled by Airbus and produces two other helicopter models: the H225, for predominantly military use, and the H125, known as the Esquilo.

H145 Versatility

The H145 is a versatile helicopter that can be used for both civilian and military missions, such as passenger transport, emergency medical services, public safety, offshore operations, wind farm support, civil defense and rescue, troop transport, and reconnaissance operations.

1752155875153.webp
 

1752272324244.webp
RoboMotic, Technology and Cutting-Edge Technology
We are the first drone factory in Chile, where products are designed and built to meet customer expectations.

1752272451598.webp

We develop 90% of our parts locally, allowing us to build high-tech equipment that is fully functional for the needs of each industry in a timely manner.
We Push the Limits
Thanks to our ability to decide and select the best parts to achieve our goal, our equipment offers the following features:

4, 6, and 8-engine versions

Flight time up to 1 hour with batteries

Extended flight time of up to 3 hours with a generator

Umbilical cable flights of 8 hours or more!

Payloads of 100 kg or more!
 
Sergio Pérez Torreslara was appointed president of the Baja California Space and Aeronautical Cluster (CEA), a recently created organization that seeks to coordinate efforts between companies, academia, and government to strengthen the sector in that state. The Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA) recognized the appointment as a strategic step to consolidate the capabilities of the aerospace ecosystem in the northwest of the country.
1752273184670.webp
The new cluster aims to enhance regional collaboration in advanced manufacturing, space technologies, and innovation, leveraging the installed base of companies and institutions in the state. With this designation, Baja California joins other states in the country that already have specialized clusters, such as Querétaro, Nuevo León, and Sonora, and positions itself as a strategic player in the Mexican aerospace industry.

Strategic Outlook for Baja California

Sergio Pérez Torreslara's leadership is emerging as a catalyst for investment projects, technological innovation, and academic outreach. His role at the helm of the CEA will be key to promoting new training programs, fostering productive linkages with small and medium-sized businesses, and strengthening the state's exports.

FEMIA has reiterated that coordinated work across sectors is essential for Mexico to maintain its global competitiveness and take advantage of the opportunities arising from nearshoring and the relocation of supply chains in North America. In this context, Baja California is positioned as a strategic hub for the coming years.

Accelerated growth of the aerospace sector

In 2024, the aerospace industry in Mexico reached historic levels, with exports exceeding $10.6 billion for the first time, representing an increase of almost 10% compared to the previous year. The country remains one of the main destinations for foreign direct investment in the sector, consolidating its position among the top five worldwide. Since 2006, the sector has received more than $3.7 billion in FDI, highlighting a strong presence of global firms such as Airbus, Bombardier, GE, Honeywell, and Safran.

Furthermore, Mexico is home to 386 aerospace companies spread across 19 states, including 370 specialized plants that generate approximately 50,000 direct jobs and more than 190,000 indirect jobs. The main manufacturing centers are concentrated in Baja California, Querétaro, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Nuevo León, which together account for up to 90% of the sector's industrial activity. The value of the Mexican aerospace market is projected to grow from $11.2 billion in 2025 to $22.7 billion by 2029, with a sustained annual growth rate of over 15%.

 
EMBRAER FACES RISK OF MILLION-DOLLAR LOSSES DUE TO US TARIFF THREAT
For every 10-point tariff increase, the manufacturer's costs will rise by around $70 million, with the executive jet division being the most affected.
A21 Editorial Team A21 Editorial Team July 11, 2025


Embraer can expect severe impacts if President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports becomes a reality.

The Valor International website reported that approximately 23.8% of the aircraft manufacturer's revenue comes directly from its exports to the United States, particularly from executive jet components, according to investment firm XP.

Analysts at this consulting firm estimate a negative impact on earnings of between 14% and 15% for every 10 percentage point increase in tariffs, given that the final assembly of the Praetor and Phenom executive jets is carried out at its Florida facilities.

Meanwhile, UBS BB, an entity formed by the alliance between UBS and Banco do Brasil, predicted that for every 10% increase in tariffs, Embraer's costs would increase by around $70 million, with the executive jet division being the most affected, with up to 75% of its sales to the United States potentially subject to the new tariffs.

“We have to be realistic about these tariffs. If this continues, it will bring more complexity and costs to companies, including Embraer,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of the manufacturer, according to Reuters.

Last Wednesday, Trump sent a letter to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, warning that he will impose 50% tariffs on goods from his country. Among the reasons he gave was the "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, his political ally who is accused of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 elections.

In response, da Silva published on X that "any unilateral tariff increase will be addressed in accordance with Brazil's Economic Reciprocity Law," meaning new tariffs would also be imposed on US products.

 
ITA Develops Unprecedented Simulator for Evaluating Military Radars Under Interference
Ricardo Fan
July 9, 2025
Aviation, ITA

ITA Develops Unprecedented Simulator for Evaluating Military Radars Under Interference
Software Strengthens Military Research and Specialized Training

Air Force Agency, ITA – Lt. LEONARDO E by Aspirante Bessa

Software developed by military and civilian researchers from the Graduate Program in Operational Applications (PPGAO) of the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) has been officially registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).
1752443321093.webp
The tool, called the Advanced Radar Simulator, represents a strategic advancement in the field of Electronic Warfare, providing a robust virtual environment for evaluating the performance of military radars under electronic interference conditions.

The software development was led by a team comprised of Professors Felix Dieter Antreich and Dimas Irion Alves, Communications Specialist Colonel Olympio Lucchini Coutinho, Air Force Captain Leandro Geraldo da Costa, and Air Force Captain Derek do Espírito Santo Nogueira.

The simulator allows for the virtual recreation of various complex electronic warfare scenarios, including Range Gate Pull-Off (RGPO) jamming and passive synthetic aperture techniques using a single antenna. These capabilities make the tool essential for advanced studies and the development of technological solutions in the defense sector.

According to the PPGAO coordinator, Air Force Colonel Sérgio Rebouças, the ability to simulate different operational situations facilitates the study and creation of more effective electronic countermeasures, directly contributing to improving the operational capabilities of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). "With this registration, we were also able to demonstrate our technological development capabilities, which strengthens the FAB's and the country's capabilities at the cutting edge of knowledge, integrating academic research with concrete operational demands," he emphasized.

Besides its use in electronic warfare scenarios, the algorithms implemented in the software are also being evaluated for space applications. Specifically, the simulator is considered a technological foundation for the Project for the Development of Electromagnetic Signal Reception Payloads for Satellites (LOM – Phase 1), an initiative supported by the Brazilian Studies and Projects Funding Agency (FINEP) and implemented at the Electronic Warfare Competence Center (CCGE) at ITA.

ACADEMIC IMPACT

Besides its direct operational application, the Advanced Radar Simulator is already establishing itself as an essential tool in the training of military specialists. The software has been used in high-level courses, such as the Specialization Course in Electromagnetic Environment Analysis (CEAAE), offered as part of ITA's graduate program, strengthening the technical skills of professionals working in Electronic Warfare.

The tool's academic impact is also reflected in its use as the basis for several scientific publications, presented at prominent technical events, such as the Symposium on Operational Applications in Defense Areas (SIGE), the Brazilian Telecommunications Symposium (SBrT), and the specialized journal Spectrum.

Recent contributions include the papers "Simulation and Analysis of the Effects of the Range Gate Pull-Off Interference Technique on CFAR Detectors," presented at SBrT 2024, and "Single Antenna Passive Synthetic Aperture DoA," published at SIGE 2024.

ITA's Provost of Administration, Colonel Intendente Vivian Santos Gomes, highlighted the strategic role of joint civilian-military efforts in the country's scientific and technological advancement. "Initiatives such as the Advanced Radar Simulator demonstrate ITA's fundamental role in strengthening the FAB's operational and technological capabilities, reflecting a continued commitment to national security and Brazilian scientific progress," she commented.

ELECTRONIC WARFARE

Electronic warfare can be understood as a form of conflict focused on controlling the electromagnetic spectrum. This field involves the use of advanced technologies to disrupt or manipulate enemy communications and detection systems, while protecting one's own systems from interference. It is one of the most critical and effective forms of contemporary military action, widely employed in operations around the world.

Currently, the Electronic Warfare Competence Center (CCGE) of the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) works to promote teaching and research in areas strategic to National Defense. Its mission is to facilitate educational and scientific solutions in Electronic Warfare through the implementation, adaptation, and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, in addition to providing technical and scientific advice to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on topics aligned with its lines of research.

 
INPAER
Founded in 2001 by the visionary Caio Jordão, INPAER has been a beacon of innovation and excellence in the Brazilian aviation sector.

Headquartered in Campo dos Amarais in Campinas, one of the technological heartlands of the state of São Paulo, INPAER has grown not only as a company, but as a community dedicated to the advancement of aviation.
1752444352521.webp
For more than two decades, INPAER has stood out among the dozens of Brazilian companies that have ventured into manufacturing small aircraft. Each aircraft that leaves our assembly line is the result of years of research, development, and a deep understanding of the needs of pilots and the industry, using high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing technology to ensure an exceptional flight experience.
Brazilian manufacturer Inpaer – Indústria Paulista de Aeronáutica announced this week that it has received authorization from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to assemble and operate COLT 100 aircraft in Brazil.
1752444522027.webp
The COLT's acceptance document as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (LSA Special) reached the Inpaer team on Friday, May 5th, as shared on social media by the company.
The COLT 100 is a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) aircraft from the Texas Aircraft Group, based in the United States, which is being produced in Brazil by Inpaer.
 
At just 23 years old, Gabriel Leal is the name behind the world's largest agricultural spraying drone, which will begin testing in August on a grain farm in Mato Grosso. The Bahia native from Livramento de Nossa Senhora, about 600km from Salvador, is the founder and CEO of Psyche Aerospace, a 100% Brazilian agtech company that developed the Harpia P-71.
1752444906702.webp
With 100% Brazilian technology, the drone operates with a hybrid ethanol and battery engine and can spray 40 hectares per hour, with a flight range of 10 hours. The drone also has the ability to refuel itself, using another device called Beluga, also created by the startup of the young Bahia native, who has no university degree and is an aerospace enthusiast.

"I had a project for asteroid mining. I've always been interested in developing technology for the aerospace sector, and the sector I identified as the best business opportunity is agriculture, which has giant farms in the Central-West region, where spraying with tractors or airplanes is inefficient or very expensive," the young Bahian told Valor Econômico.
1752444922086.webp
The son and grandson of Bahian farmers, Gabriel moved to São José dos Campos two years ago, when his company was founded in December 2022. The startup is incubated at the city's Technological Innovation Park hub, which currently operates in a 6,000 m² area in the southern part of the municipality.
Gabriel leads a team of 60 employees, including engineers, technicians, and administrative and sales staff | Photo: Click Business

There, the equipment was developed, capable of carrying 400 kilograms of pesticides in autonomous flight, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. To understand its capabilities, the largest spraying drone ever presented in the country so far has a capacity of "only" 60 kilograms. In a simulation for investors, covering an area of 1,000 hectares, an autonomous fleet of six superdrones completed the job in five hours, compared to four or five days for a tractor, one or two days for an airplane, and 15 days for a manual drone.

One of the six prototypes of the Harpia P-71, with a design inspired by the American Black Bird military reconnaissance aircraft, was tested in March in São José dos Campos. The flight was coordinated by aerospace engineer Gabriel de Paula, who has worked at Psyche since the project's inception. "Flying the P-71 and ensuring its stability represented a major challenge that required a great deal of focus and attention," he told Valor about the equipment, which will not be sold.

According to the CEO, the drone is intended to provide services to agricultural producers. The Bahian's business plan initially includes mapping the area to plot the lines the equipment will spray, determining the required altitude, nozzle flow rate, speed, and angle. The idea is to focus on spraying sugarcane, citrus, and grain crops, at a cost of R$20 per hectare per application.

"The producer doesn't need to control the drone, which is a high-tech piece of equipment that requires extensive training to spray correctly, quickly, and safely. He just wants the application," explains the Bahian.

With an annual pre-contract with grain producers in the Central-West region and farmers in São Paulo, Gabriel is expected to begin commercial operation of the Harpia P-71 by the end of the year. Although geared toward serving large producers, the young man hopes to eventually close contracts with agricultural cooperatives, serving medium-sized and small producers as well.

Information: Alô Alô Bahia.
 
Chimango 650, the Argentine-made UAV that the Argentine Air Force will operate
August 22, 2023
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
In May, the Argentine government officially announced the purchase of two Chimango 650 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems for the Argentine Air Force (FAA). The purchase was made through a direct contracting process that was published in the Official Gazette, and the documentation indicates May 12 as the official date.

Designed by Aerodyca MDQ S.A., the Chimango 650 UAV was developed in 2014, where it made its first flight at the company's facilities in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This unmanned aircraft is manufactured under STANAG 4703 standards, endorsed by quality standards throughout its production and installation process. In 2015, it participated in the Innovar competition, where it was awarded first place, and was awarded the Argentine Good Design Seal in 2016, according to the zona-militar website.
1752445331185.webp
The CHIMANGO 650 UAV is developed for long-range observation and can carry supplementary tanks under the wing using pylons. The maximum payload is 15 kg each, extending its range and allowing it to travel long distances. This allows for online aerial observation of the area during a scheduled flight. It also has a payload capacity of 30 kg, allowing it to carry different types of equipment, depending on the user's needs. This UAV has the ability to reassign missions and features an advanced surveillance camera system that allows for autonomous target tracking. The system is developed under STANAG standards. This UAV features the PEGASUS 2.0 redundant system developed by AeroDyca, which provides greater operational safety. This means that if one flight system fails, the UAV continues to operate with the other system, allowing it to safely return home without endangering its equipment.

Its design is notable for its construction of composite materials (fiberglass, resin, carbon, and Kevlar), and it is registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).

With autonomous flight, the mission is programmed and it carries out its mission, sending information in real time to the ground command post, where operators and technicians receive and analyze the information to make decisions regarding the achievement of the objective. The information can be modified at any time by operators if they need to observe another point or area.
1752445310663.webp
Designed and developed to travel long distances, its uses can be varied, from monitoring national parks for early fire detection; border control missions; observation of oil pipelines; Agricultural/livestock observation (for determining crop spraying, for example) and any other aerial visualization applications that may be required.

Technical Specifications
Length: 3.80 m
Wingspan: 6.50 m
Height: 1.1 m
Wing Area: 3.11 m
Empty Weight: 95 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 125 kg
Powerplant: 11.5 HP 120 CC x 2
Maximum Operating Speed: 220 km/h
Cruising Speed: 130 km/h
Range: 100 km
Radius: 50 km
Maximum Ceiling: 3,500 m
Endurance: 6 hours / 10 hours
Payload: 30 kg
Operating Limit: Wind gusts up to 60 km/h

1752445291506.webp
 
ACS SORA-e
In 2010, ACS, together with the Brazilian Studies and Projects Financing Agency (Finep), developed an electrical system for aircraft. In September 2014, the SORA-e passed tests conducted by Itaipu's Center for Research, Development, and Assembly of Electric Vehicles (CPDM-VE).

The inaugural flight took place on the Itaipu runway in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná.

The SORA-e uses two 35 kW Emrax electric motors, each produced by the Slovenian company Enstroj. The motors are powered by six lithium-ion polymer battery packs, which together provide 400 volts.

The aircraft has a climb rate of 1,500 feet per minute. Its flight range is 90 minutes at 190 km/h, with a maximum speed of 340 km/h.

Figure 03 - ACS SORA-e
1752624554549.webp
1752624592745.webp



 
Flyer: 40 Years of History

Learn More
Flyer was founded in 1983 by two young engineers, brothers Nelson Luiz and Luiz Claudio Gonçalves, with the main objective of producing, assembling, and selling experimental ultralights and light aircraft. The company's first product was the Flyer II, similar to the old Quicksilver. Since then, Flyer has evolved to become one of the leading manufacturers of experimental aircraft in Brazil.




In 1985, Flyer began manufacturing the Tierra II, under license from Teratorn Inc., and in 1986, it designed and began producing the Flyer GT, which became the most widely assembled basic ultralight in Brazil. In 1988, Flyer designed and began manufacturing its amphibious aircraft, the Hidroflyer.



Due to Brazil's difficult economic situation in 1992, Flyer decided to begin assembling imported kits, including the Super Coyote model from Rans Aircraft Inc. In 1998, Flyer entered into a joint venture with the Canadian company Ultravia to begin assembling the Pelican 500BR in Brazil.



In 2000, Flyer decided to start the assembly line and stop assembling individual kits for customers, continuing production of its own line of ultralights. In 2002, Flyer discontinued assembly of the Flyer GT and the Hidroflyer due to lack of sales.



In 2004, Flyer began assembling the first aircraft in the Van's Aircraft RV series, an RV-4. In 2005, Flyer rented an 8,100 sq ft hangar at Americana Airport, São Paulo, to conduct all flight tests of its aircraft. In December, Flyer purchased its first CNC Flow waterjet machine.



In 2006, production of the Pelican 500BR reached 125 aircraft. It was the most popular advanced ultralight in Brazil, followed by the Super Coyote. In December, Flyer signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Glasair Aviation. That year, Flyer delivered 81 aircraft to the Brazilian market.

1752625207648.webp
Flyer F600NG2


In March 2008, Flyer celebrated its 25th anniversary. A quarter-century dedicated to experimental aviation, it boasts many achievements: the most popular basic ultralight in Brazil, with 756 units manufactured, the Flyer GT; the most popular advanced ultralight in Brazil, with 218 units assembled/manufactured, the Pelican 500BR; and the second most popular advanced ultralight in Brazil, with 123 units assembled, the Super Coyote S-6S.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9cd_6jYDjs

With its successful trajectory, Flyer has established itself as one of the leading experimental aviation companies in Brazil, always innovating and striving to offer the best to its customers.
 
ANAC issues recognition for the world's first 4-seat Light Sport Aircraft to a Brazilian manufacturer
RV-10 LSA aircraft is assembled by a Brazilian company
Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Link to Copy to Clipboard
Published on 11/17/2023 3:28 PM Updated on 11/17/2023 3:32 PM
08.jpg
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) granted the Brazilian company Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica the Official Recognition Certificate for the RV-10 LSA aircraft, recognizing it as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (ALE). With this recognition, the company is authorized to manufacture the aircraft in Brazil, expanding the offering of products in this category in the country. Flyer is now the ninth Brazilian manufacturer to receive the Special ALE recognition.

The RV-10 LSA is a milestone, being the first ALE Special aircraft in the world with a four-seat capacity to meet the ALE category's consensus standards.

To obtain the RV-10 LSA's recognition, ANAC conducted a sample document verification process, technical visits to the manufacturer, and an aircraft inspection. This process aimed to verify that the company conducted all the analyses and tests required by the consensus standards and that the manufacturer's declaration was technically sound.

Headquartered in Sumaré, São Paulo (SP), Flyer established a partnership with the US company Vans Aircraft and began the process of recognizing the aircraft as a Special ALE in December 2022. The process is based on the manufacturer's declaration that the aircraft and the company's quality system meet the consensus standards of ASTM International, an international standards body, as provided for in Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) No. 21.

Differences between the RV-10 LSA and the amateur-built RV-10

The RV-10 LSA differs from the amateur-built RV-10 in that it has undergone the analyses and tests required by the consensus standards. This has resulted in improvements to flight controls, and the aircraft's equipment, including the engine, is more reliable, as it now meets internationally accepted industry standards. Furthermore, the RV-10 LSA is produced according to a quality and production system that ensures traceability and greater operator safety.

The Special ALE fleet must be monitored by the manufacturer, who must propose design and production improvements and corrections whenever necessary for safety reasons. This monitoring is not mandatory for amateur-built aircraft.

Amateur-built RV-10s, manufactured in accordance with RBAC 21.191(g), are not eligible for classification as Special ALE.

ALE Category Regulations

The recognition of the RV-10 LSA as a Special ALE was possible because ANAC, in July 2022, changed the ALE category regulations in Brazil, allowing aircraft with up to 4 seats and a maximum takeoff weight (PMD) of up to 1,361 kg to use consensus ALE category standards developed by ASTM International.

This new regulation, in addition to bringing Brazil closer to international standards, reduces the cost of approving new designs for these aircraft compared to the type certification process and maintains an acceptable level of safety by meeting consensus standards.

ANAC Social Communications Office
1752715976861.webp

 

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDvWovFybvs
From the series: Know Your Aircraft - Amazon Aero Bravo
ABEFAER Brazilian Aeronautical Training Association
Manuals
May 15, 2025

The Amazon is an advanced ultralight aircraft produced by Aero Bravo, a renowned Brazilian manufacturer of light aircraft. This model combines robustness, ease of operation, and excellent performance, making it ideal for leisure flights, training, and operations on unprepared runways.
1752716627727.webp
Technical Specifications:

- Manufacturer: Aero Bravo (Brazil)
- Model: Amazon
- Category: Advanced Ultralight (LSA)
- Engine: Rotax 912 ULS – 100 hp
- Cruise Speed: Approximately 170 km/h (92 kt)
- Maximum Speed: 200 km/h (108 kt)
- Range: Approximately 5 hours or up to 850 km
- Operating Ceiling: 12,000 ft
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 600 kg
- Payload Capacity: 250 kg
- Fuel: Regular gasoline (AVGAS or Mogas)
- Fuel Tank: 100 liters
- Length: 6.40 m
- Wingspan: 9.60 m
- Landing Gear Type: Conventional or fixed tricycle
- Frame Material: Aluminum Aeronautical
- Seats: 2 (side by side)

The Amazon stands out for its flight stability, low operating costs, and easy maintenance. It's ideal for those seeking safety and pleasure with every takeoff.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Replies

Featured Content

Trending Threads

Back
Top