After the successful completion of the Caçador ARP test flights in Brazil, Avionics Services S/A and IAI are proud to announce at LAAD 2017, that after a long journey, Caçador is the first UAV (ARP) “Aeronave Remotamente Pilotada” to receive the Ministry of defence’s approval as a PED (Strategic defence Product).
The ARP Caçador is a Brazilian version of the Heron-1 UAV, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and operational by more than twenty customers around the world. The “Caçador”, as a product, complies with the Brazilian national contents requirements. The prototype took off last year with some test flights performed from Avionics Services’ base in Botucatu (SDBK airfield) in the Sao-Paulo state, after complying with all regulations and obtaining all necessary approvals and flight permissions required by the Brazilian governmental authorities.
Since signing a cooperation agreement three years ago, IAI and Avionics Services have worked together to establish a strong Brazilian industrial base in the field of Unmanned Systems (ARP). The process included significant efforts and emphasis on technology and knowledge transfer in order to enhance the Brazilian Industry’s proficiency and independence in the area of advanced unmanned systems (ARP´s). Avionics Services has professionally established at the Botucatu airfield the required infrastructure to produce and maintain ARP´s, and serve as a center of excellence for (ARP´s) unmanned aerial systems.
The ARP Caçador is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV, capable of flying more than 40 hours, at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet. With a maximum take-off weight of 1,270 kg, the Caçador can carry multiple payloads simultaneously to perform a variety of missions. In addition, the communication link of the Caçador can achieve a range of 250 km LOS. If a broad-band satellite communication channel is used, the Caçador can operate more than 1,000 km from its command and control station – a critical capability especially in large countries such as Brazil.
The successful approval of Caçador ARP as a strategic defence product (PED) demonstrates Avionics Services’ capabilities and strength in deploying cutting-edge technologies and taking leadership in the ARP (UAVs) Brazilian and Latin America markets, as well as the huge potential in teaming with IAI. The Caçador ARP, together with the other products developed with IAI, offers strategic ARP systems to customers in Brazil and Latin America for military and civil applications, while assuring local support and immediate response to our customers in those regions.
The Caçador is an ideal system for border control, illegal activities, environmental monitoring, pollution control, oil & gas industries, precision agriculture and military multi missions’ application with real time information.
Avionics Services is a leading Brazilian company with over 21 years of experience in the civilian and military markets. Avionics has specialized in development, certification and integration of avionics systems as well as defence equipment The company provides solutions for projects involving equipment and avionics systems for civil and military fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as simulators. Avionics’ excellence stems from an established heritage of high quality and safety, with very high customer satisfaction. Avionics Services is certified by ANAC, Brazilian Army, Air force and Navy obtains ISO-9001, NBR 15100/ AS9100 and has obtained the status of a strategic defence company (EED-Empresa Estrategica de Defesa).
