DRONES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN CHILE.

Drone technology is available in Chile thanks to DJI Dronespray, a company that since 2011 has worked to provide efficient tools for monitoring, mapping, and treating agricultural crops with greater precision. “This allows for more efficient use of resources, reduces operating costs, and improves production,” reveals Jorge Álamos, an Environmental engineer and one of its founders.

Drones already use Artificial Intelligence (level 1), especially in decision-making when applying products in the field and in obstacle safety.

For example, they can decide to avoid an obstacle by the freer sector, thus avoiding accidents, generating alternative routes, and opting for the best one. “It does this without affecting the spraying process it is carrying out,” Álamos exemplifies. This capability greatly reduces the risk of accidents, making drone flights ultimately “safer and more reliable,” the company emphasizes.

The company has also developed software solutions that harness AI to improve post-flight data analysis and processing. Some models feature programs that create accurate representations of images taken by the drone, mapping 2D or 3D routes over orthomosaic models and infrared (multispectral) lines, allowing for crop status representation in colors, through prospecting of spraying or fertilization with the required dose. “This is a very important point as it directly contributes to the efficient use of resources and fewer chemicals in the environment, which has a very significant economic impact. For example, 200cc of an insecticide can cover several hectares, whereas normally it only covers one,” Álamos warns.

The price range of drones varies depending on the model and its capabilities. They range from $5,000 to $29,900 (approximately $4,650,000 to $28,000,000). The equipment can include imaging that allows for flight planning and knowledge of crop health status, and there are also models for the application of liquid or solid products. “Although the initial investment may seem high, drones have a rapid rate of return, due to their short- term benefits, such as reduced operating costs, increased efficiency, and improved crop quality. On average, the investment returns between 8 and 12 months after purchase,” Álamos assures.

This technology promises to solve many problems in this industry in the areas of fumigation and fertilization. “There are even new tasks that we have been developing with farmers, such as drying crops after rain, something that is normally done with helicopters,” emphasizes Jorge Álamos.

DJI Dronespray ensures that this technology contributes to sustainability through the availability of drones that allow for more efficient management of agricultural resources, reducing waste and optimizing product use. “This has a positive impact on the environment and on the carbon footprint of field operations,” concludes Álamos.

TECHNOLOGY FAIR WILL AMAZE THE FIDAE 2024 PUBLIC

Within the framework of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, and in order to promote the national air awareness and increase the link with the community, the Chilean Air Force (FACH) will hold the Technology Fair on April 13 and 14. In this instance, the Institution will present the advances and innovative processes with which it carries out diverse missions for the benefit of Chile.

In this fourth edition of the event, the work of the FACH will be presented, exhibiting a wide range of technologies and processes used in its daily work, the public will be able to use the technology through interaction. The activity will focus on four main topics: Space, Maintenance, Education and Force.

The public will be able to learn about aspects related to space technology, including software used to know the satellite position, design orbits and several other tasks for the space field. In addition, the public will be able to learn about the mission of the National Satellite System (SNSat) and the work that the SAR (Search and Rescue (SAR), the Aero Photogrammetry Service (SAF) and the Space Operations Group (GOE) developed, among others.

On aeronautical matters, the public will have the chance to learn about and interact with the technology used by the different FACH Units, which are dedicated to aircraft maintenance. In this area, the 52nd Group will exhibit a Bell 206 helicopter engine. Meanwhile, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and Special Forces Regiment “Tactical School” will exhibit real weapon systems, such as the Sky Guard radar and MANPAD stations.

Meanwhile, the 51st Maintenance Group and the 5th Air Brigade Training Center will present three fundamental elements in any training process: a flight simulator, used to teach students how an aircraft works; the staging of an F-16 Block 50 fighter aircraft engine, used for the training of engine mechanics; and finally, a fuel loading and unloading model.

In addition, the company Develop of Technologies and Systems (DTS), a subsidiary of the company ENAER (National Aeronautical Company of Chile), will exhibit models, engines and the Bellum Virtuale aeronautical simulator, developed by DTS, and used for the virtual simulation of air tactics. This is a powerful tool that combines advanced technology with modern education to promote a highly effective and dynamic learning environment.

Finally, The Technology Fair will include the participation of the Aviation School “Capitán Manuel Ávalos Prado” the School of Specialties “Sargento 1° Adolfo Menadier Rojas” and the Academia Politécnica Aeronáutica, which will exhibit different educational elements, such as firing and flight simulators, in order to bring their work closer to the community.

UAV (RPAS): A GROWING INDUSTRY AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the sectors of: Civil and Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Aircraft Maintenance, Homeland Security, Space Technology, Cybersecurity, and UAV (RPAS). The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

The acronym UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is used to identify drones. RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) systems are unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely piloted aircraft, which can have a military and/or civilian use in tasks such as aerial photography, aerial videos or infrastructure inspection, among others.

The companies that cover this field and that will be part of the twenty-third edition of FIDAE are: Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, Indra and Safran. They will be joined by: Tek Chile, CIAC, Schiebel, Riegl, TKOF Aviation, among others.

FIDAE has adapted to the continuous changes in all industries, and the UAV has been no exception. FIDAE provides personalized attention to all its target audiences, so that they can achieve both their commercial expectations, as well as those linked to the field of knowledge and innovation.

CYBERSECURITY AT FIDAE 2024: TOWARDS A PROTECTED DIGITAL WORLD

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the sectors of: Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aerospace Technology, UAV (RPAS), Civil and Commercial Aviation, Aircraft Maintenance, Defense, and Cybersecurity. The latter has an important role in this twenty-third edition.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, equipment, software applications, systems and data from potential digital threats. Attacks seek to access, modify or destroy confidential information, so security measures are used and implemented, which are increased, strengthened, and updated daily. These measures are important as currently there are more equipment, and devices connected to networks than people.

The twenty-third edition of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE will have the presence of important leading companies in this field such as Lockheed Martin. This is a U.S. multinational with more than 122,000 employees worldwide. Along with this notable company, who also specializes in cybersecurity, there will also be present other important companies such as Dreamlab Technologies, and Motorola Solutions, among others.

FIDAE is an exhibition dedicated to exhibit technologies in Aerospace, Defense, and Security, positioning Chile as a referent in Latin America. The Fair, which will be held from April 9 to 14, acts as a bridge between the Chilean Air Force and the citizens, since it shows the environment in which it is immersed, especially aspects related to technological advances and innovation.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY: PLANNING THE FUTURE AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the following fields: Cicil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity, and Space Technology. The latter is a leading actor in this twenty-third edition.

Space Technology is directly related to the arrival to space, as well as the maintenance of different systems used during space travel, and in the tools that support their return.

The companies that will be part of this field are: Embraer from Brazil; Esri and Raster-4 from Chile; Invap from Argentina; Satlantis from Spain; Airbus and some study centers such as Universidad Mayor; Universidad de Chile, and Universidad de Concepción. They will be joined by the Asociación Chilena del Espacio (ACHIDE), Bae Sistems; Defense Technology Equipment, Global Sat; Iceye; Indra; Lockheed Martin; Planet Labs; Schiebel; Tesam, Thales, Aero Photogrammetry Service of the Chilean Air Force (SAF), the Space Operations Group (GOE) and the Space Directorate (DIRES) of the Chilean Air Force.

 

The International Air and Space Fair creates a suitable scenario to exhibit new products and technological advances in different areas. This provides real business opportunities for exhibitors of the Aerospace, Defense and Security Fair with the longest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

AIRCRAFT MAINTENACE DURING FIDAE 2024: WORK THAT GARANTEES SECURITY

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the following sectors: Civil-Commercial Aviation, Defense, Aircraft Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity, Space Technology, and Aircraft Maintenance. The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

This area shows how aircraft go through different inspections; processes where several specialists are involved. Each one of them takes responsibility, through comprehensive checkups, so aircraft equipment is in perfect condition and can be used safely.

The Chilean National Aeronautics Company (ENAER) is one of the most outstanding companies that will participate in this area. It will also be joined by: Aerocardal; Aeronautical Investments; Apas, Arms Intl; Bae Sistems; Bell Textron; Ciac; CG Turbines; Division Turbos; Fadea; Ipt; Labmeter; Loockheed Martin; Recaero SAS; Redimec S.A; Techman-Head and Workhard.

 

FIDAE provides personalized attention to all its target audience, in order to achieve commercial, innovation, and knowledge expectations. The Aircraft Maintenance sector also covers from manufactured pieces and parts, special machinery, to different established tests. In this way, FIDAE takes care of airworthiness in an integral way.

HOMELAND SECURITY: NATIONS SAFEGUARDING AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the sectors of: Civil and Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Aircraft Maintenance, Space Technology, Cybersecurity, UAV (RPAS) and Homeland Security. The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

Homeland Security covers the internal security of nations, which permanently have to strengthen these systems to ensure their proper functioning. This area is not only a concern for the countries of the region, but also throughout the world. FIDAE 2024 will bring together the supply and demand in this sector, looking to meet the needs of an important market in constant growth.

The companies dedicated to the development of this sector and that will be part of FIDAE 2024 are: Aerotech, Altec, Military Gear Chile, Schiebel, Steyr Arms and Theon Sensors. Along with them will also be present: Barret Comunications, Bear Tactical Gear, Miguel Caballero and Tek Chile, among others.

FIDAE is a great platform to display new products and technological advances from the last few years in the different fields considered by the Fair, as well as an opportunity for technological exchanges. The Fair is also a commercial center where supply and demand meet, in an environment specially designed for an event of this magnitude, and appropriate for doing business.

DEFENSE AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the areas of Airport Services and Equipment, Homeland Security, Aerospace Technology, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity, Civil and Commercial Aviation, Aircraft Maintenance, and Defense.

This last sector has an important role during the twenty-third edition. Currently, countries have defense systems to maintain peace and security, so companies invest in research and development of state-of-the-art technology in this matter.

There will be prestigious international companies attending FIDAE’s new edition, such as: Airbus, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Aselsan, East Gear and la Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica, ENAER. The following companies will also attend: Aeronautical Investments, Glenair, Steyr Arms, Hyundai WIA, Schiebel, Bear Tactical Gear, MBA S.A., Ruag Defense, Saab, Altec Ltda., Indra, F-Marinovic, Safran, Theon Sensors, BAE Systems, Defense Technology Equipment, Lacroix, Tek Chile, Bell Textron, División Turbos, Workhard, City Insignia Chile Ltda., Elemento Aire Chile SPA, Scytays, Switlik, INVAP, Miguel Caballero, Asmar, Barret Comunications, Goldhofer, Polaris Defense, Info Design Solutions, Zero Compromise Optic, Riegl, Els, Acape, Academia Politécnica Militar, Diamond Aircraft, among others.

FIDAE is an effective commercial platform that exhibits the latest developments in Aerospace, Defense and Security matters. The exhibitors internationalize their portfolio of products and services to the most important national and international companies attending the Fair. This provides real business opportunities and solutions to customers in emerging markets economies.

CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL AVIATION AT FIDAE 2024

FIDAE is a multisectorial event that covers the areas of Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance, Aerospace Technology, UAV (RPAS), Cybersecurity and Civil and Commercial Aviation. The latter is a relevant actor and protagonist of this twenty-third edition.

Civil Aviation is a generic term for the transport, public or private, of people or goods. Meanwhile, Commercial Aviation is carried out by airlines that transport people or cargo on a regular basis, i.e., with an itinerary.

Considering the significant growth of civil and commercial aviation worldwide, FIDAE considers this relevant area for exhibitors and potential new customers to meet in a commercial platform, specially designed to create new business opportunities.

Within this context, FIDAE 2024 will have important companies such as Airbus from France; Embraer from Brazil; Aeromax, Boeing, Hughes and Bell Textron from the United States; Saab from Sweden, Leonardo from Italy and the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), representing Chile. Also attending will be Lacroix, Aeronautical Investments, Soter Logistic Chile, Agsur Aviones, Altec Ltda., Indra, Safran, Thales, Aerocardal, Tek Chile, Workhard and Yoy Training, among others.

The twenty-third edition of the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) will be held between April 9 and 14, 2024. During 44 years, the Fair has been creating unlimited opportunities, becoming the biennial aerospace event of longest trajectory, importance, and recognition in Latin America.

DTS WILL PRESENT INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS AT FIDAE 2024

During FIDAE 2024, the Chilean company DTS will present the Pillan II Flight Simulator. This is a system that uses mixed reality for military pilots training, under the rules of visual flight. It allows procedures teaching in basic flight, aerobatics, and training phases. In addition, it will reveal the new advances of the CMT (Transportable Command Center), which is a deployable Command and Control system, set-up as a command center to exercise operation controls in support of emergencies and/or catastrophes in remote or unprepared areas. With a modular, compact, and robust design, it can be transported by land or air to any part of the national territory.

Likewise, DTS will exhibit the Electronic Support Measurement System (ESM), based on an analog-digital receptor for submarine, surface, and airborne platforms. Being a modular and easy to install, it offers great accuracy in the measurement of emitter parameters and allows an accurate assessment of threats.

While FIDAE takes place, the company will present learning and training systems, through mixed reality. There will also be some surprises in terms of simulation, and Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&i). DTS, has been perfecting its capacities in R+D+i, and expanding the aeronautical simulators field, and it intends to show said ranges with the development of 3 new products that will be available exclusively during FIDAE: the Bellum Virtuale Simulator (for virtual simulation of aerial tactics), the Faraday Static Convertor and the TBX. This corresponds to the electronic development of interface modules used in a control system interconnected by a FIPIO data network.

The Bellum Virtuale Simulator, developed by DTS, is a powerful tool that combines advanced technology with modern pedagogy to provide a dynamic and highly effective learning environment. On the other hand, the Faraday Static Converter transforms three-phase power from generators to feed synchronous chains and other critical ship systems.

Since it was founded in 1991, DTS has worked hand in hand with major companies that are pioneers in state-of-the-art technology. This is the case of the strategic alliance with Thales company, experts in the fields of aerospace, defense, space, and digital security solutions.

The joint collaboration will be exhibited in the Thales and DTS stands, reaching two milestones: In the first place, the exhibition of their products will be cross-displayed. For DTS, its own products on display on the stand will be joined by Thales video surveillance systems.

In addition, Wellington Rodriguez, the Thales Southern Cone Director, and Roberto Avendaño, the General Manager of DTS, will sign the Key Industrial Partners (KIP) Agreement, that certifies them as industrial partners, key for future projects.